OAHU, Hawaii (February 2017) – Pacific Beach Hotel, an 839-room hotel that opened on Waikiki Beach in 1969 and is currently undergoing a $115 million redevelopment to become the entirely new ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in fall 2017, today announces integral appointments to its leadership team: Joseph Yamaoka as Director of Operations; Edward Manzo as Director of Food and Beverage; and Leon Bolivar as Marketing Manager. As one of the newest examples of Waikiki Beach’s major growth and evolving sophistication, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will offer an urban resort destination in the heart of Waikiki that features a modern “aloha-chic” design aesthetic in all guest rooms and public spaces from renowned design firm Rockwell Group, two buzzworthy restaurants with a tropical-inspired beer garden from celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, and a destination pool deck with an infinity pool, outdoor bar, day beds and private cabanas.

This collection of leadership hires across the key areas of operations, food and beverage, and marketing underscores Pacific Beach Hotel’s commitment to building a strong leadership foundation across important property touch points as it progresses toward becoming one of the most-anticipated hotel resort openings of 2017 when it launches as ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach this fall.

“We are thrilled to welcome this incredible group of professionals and the collective passion, leadership and diverse experience that they bring to our growing ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach team,” said Rob Robinson, general manager of Pacific Beach Hotel. “As we continue to put great care into every step toward becoming ‘Alohilani Resort, these additional team members will help us create a new kind of resort experience right in the heart of Waikiki that will be as locally authentic as it is exciting and fresh.”

The leadership appointments for ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach are as follows:

Joseph Yamaoka, Director of Operations Joseph Yamaoka, a long-time Hawaii resident, serves as Director of Operations where he oversees all operating departments. Yamaoka was on the opening team at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and prior to that served as General Manager of Aqua Hotels & Resorts and Marc Resorts in Honolulu, among other titles. Yamaoka holds a bachelor’s degree in restaurant, hotel, institutional and tourism management from Purdue University.

Edward Manzo, Director of Food and Beverage Edward “Kahau” Manzo serves as Director of Food and Beverage where he is responsible for leading all culinary operations for ‘Alohilani Resort’s new F&B outlets. Manzo previously served as Director of Food and Beverage at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay on the Island of Hawaii, while previously holding the titles of Director of Food and Beverage and Executive Chef at Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on Kauai. Manzo attended the Western Culinary Institute where he obtained a culinary arts degree.

Leon Bolivar, Marketing Manager Leon Bolivar serves as Marketing Manager where he manages the strategic planning and execution of all hotel marketing and promotions initiatives and projects. With a seasoned marketing background, Bolivar previously served as a Senior Digital Advertising Specialist at Hawaii News Now and before that accumulated nearly 10 years of experience as Global Marketing Manager at Springer Science + Business Media and Marketing Manager for RED |Sony Music Entertainment, both in New York City. Bolivar holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northeastern University.

Pacific Beach Hotel will continue to remain open during its exciting transformation into ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and guests can already experience the redesigned guest rooms and suites that debuted in the Beachside and Seascape Towers in December 2016. 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is managed by Highgate, a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company whose growing portfolio includes more than 100 properties in gateway cities worldwide.

For more information on the forthcoming ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, please visit www.pacificbeachhotel.com/transformation or call 808-922-1233.