Keani Awai, Marketing Manager, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Maui

Exceptional Timeshare Industry Employees Recognized in All of State’s Counties

The American Resort Development Association of Hawaii (ARDA-Hawaii) has announced the recipients of its first annual  “Timeshare with Aloha” Awards. One outstanding employee each from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Island of Hawaii was recognized and received a two-night stay at a Hawaii timeshare resort and $1,000 to spend during their vacation. The nominations, which included submissions from supervisors and peers, were reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of leaders in government and in the travel and hospitality community. The judges evaluated the submissions based on the candidates’ dedication at the workplace, relationship with coworkers, customer service and community stewardship.

ARDA-Hawaii’s leadership was pleased to establish the Timeshare with Aloha Awards to showcase and reward committed industry professionals who make Hawaii a special place to visit. Though many vacation destinations offer sun, sand, and surf, Hawaii’s warm and unique culture is what sets it apart. The recipients of the Timeshare with Aloha Awards are:

-Keani Awai, Marketing Manager, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, Maui

-Ashley M.K. DeCanto, Administration Manager, Club Wyndham – Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Garden at Waikiki, Oahu

-Julie Pavao, Executive Assistant, Starwood Vacation Ownership – Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai

-Stephanie Peterson, Executive Vacation Counselor, Hilton Grand Vacations Club -Waikoloa Beach Resort, Island of Hawaii

“It was a significant challenge for our panel of judges to single out just four individuals among the many worthy nominees,” said ARDA-Hawaii Chair Daniel Dinell, who is also the Hilton Grand Vacations Vice President for Oahu. “The fact that these four timeshare professionals are recognized among their peers as consistently going above and beyond when it comes to sharing the spirit of aloha is truly a testament to how exceptional they are.”

Julie Pavao, Executive Assistant, Starwood Vacation Ownership - Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Kauai

The vacation stays were donated by ARDA-Hawaii members Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, Starwood Vacation Ownership and Wyndham Vacation Resorts.

About the Recipients

Keani Awai has worked for Marriott Vacation Club for nearly 16 years, and is the marketing manager for Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club. Her talents have led her from front desk agent, to concierge work and most recently a well-deserved promotion to marketing manager. She strives to share the aloha spirit with guests by sending special Hawaiian floral arrangements to the mainland, recognizing returning guests by name and remembering special events, holidays and milestones of associates.

Ashley M.K. DeCanto, Administration Manager, Club Wyndham - Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Garden at Waikiki, Oahu

Ashley M.K. DeCanto has worked at Wyndham Vacation Resorts for eight years and is the Administration Manager for the Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Garden at Waikiki. As a leader, her team has achieved outstanding performance evaluations, including heartfelt praise from visitors, directly related to their experience with the Wyndham Waikiki team. Born and raised in the islands, DeCanto understands the importance of Hawaii’s culture and strives to share the aloha spirit with everyone. That same spirit is also seen outside of work as she volunteers her time for the Hawaii Foodbank and Visitor Industry Charity Walk.

Julie Pavao has worked at Starwood Vacation Ownership since 1987 and joined The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in 2008 when the property first opened. Since then, she has served on the associate council and holds the position of executive assistant to the general manager. To many of the associates she is “Aunty Julie,” who truly embodies the aloha spirit and makes all of the employees feel like they’re part of an extended ohana.

Stephanie Peterson has worked at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club since 2005 and is an Executive Vacations Counselor for the Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort. In just six years, Peterson achieved $10 million in sales. In addition to her strong work ethic, Peterson understands the importance of being part of the community and has served as a volunteer for the Ironman, participated in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk and the Lokahi Giving Project.

About ARDA-Hawaii

Stephanie Peterson, Executive Vacation Counselor, Hilton Grand Vacations Club -Waikoloa Beach Resort, Island of Hawaii

ARDA-Hawaii is the local chapter of the American Resort Development Association, the national timeshare trade association. Timeshares account for 13 percent of Hawaii’s visitor lodging inventory and thousands of jobs. Learn more about “Timeshare With Aloha” at www.ARDA.org/alohaawards.