Ola Hawai‘i Testimonials
From Client:
Ola Hawai‘i is a leadership training that offers so much more. The Ola Hawai‘i experience for me and my staff was empowering, motivational, and inspiring. It offered an important opportunity to gain knowledge and learn about Hawaiian culture and values. It helped reaffirm our obligation and commitment to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for Hawai‘i's special places and treasures. We understood, as leaders this responsibility has always been seen as a great privilege and honor and that we, motivated by the respect and love we have for this place, must work toward achieving our goals and inspire and teach others to do the same.
Mahalo for the opportunity to share our thoughts about Ola Hawai‘i.
Naomi McIntosh, Superintendent
NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
From Pilot Participant:
I believe that the content of the course helped me to internalize my personal responsibility in providing the Hawaiian sense of place that our visitors expect. The concept of "Ikaika Au" very much resonated with me and reaffirmed the pride I feel for my one hanau and the honor of sharing it with guests. I know that Ola Hawai‘i will be a force for positive change in revitalizing the value of ho‘okipa in our industry. Your efforts to that end are greatly appreciated...good luck!
Sue Moss
Ola Hawai‘i Participant
Kualoa Ranch
From Partner:
While the content was familiar, the infusion of the Chiefly Leadership and Applied Leadership Principles, along with the creative and immersive teaching approaches of the haumana, made the relearning process that much more valuable. I had the benefit of attending both sessions, and it was like watching a favorite movie twice, where you discover things you may have missed the first time around. I'm also finding myself looking for opportunities to integrate many of my Ola Hawai‘i experiences into my current cultural programs. In the bigger picture of things, the hands-on activities ignited a host of ideas that I'm trying to incorporate into a 1-5 year plan for Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a, which will benefit our entire company.
Once again, mahalo piha for the lunch and gift this past Tuesday, for being dear friends, and for providing me and Outrigger with a once in a lifetime cultural learning experience.
Ka‘ipo Ho
Outrigger Enterprises, Human Resources
In partnership with NaHHA
From Nā Alaka‘i
As a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa - School of Travel Industry Management's program, I applaud NaHHA's efforts and contributions to Hawai‘i. As a Kanaka Maoli, I am very passionate about sharing genuine experiences and knowledge about the Hawaiian culture with my colleagues, co-workers and guests here in the islands. There is one particular program that has had a tremendous impact on my life: Ola Hawai‘ i. The lessons learned from the amazing kumu, the strong relationships forged with fellow alaka'i and contacts made with industry professionals have been invaluable.
Without the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, I would not have had the distinct pleasure in taking part of a pilot program that has enriched my life as a human being, Native Hawaiian and advocate of the hospitality industry.
Ke‘ala Kadooka
Alaka‘i
Hawai‘i Island
To our Kumu Ramsay, Tommy, and Peter, and Pam and Paula. We would not "be" if not for you all. My brothers and sisters of Ola Hawai‘i, we were meant to be a part of our huaka‘ i (nothing is by chance or coincidence) and I would gladly paddle with any of you...anywhere...anytime. Mahalo nui as well for such an edifying experience. We stood as wahine and kane koa in unison to fight for a culture and way of life that "is" Hawai‘i. "Yes, we would be the one they call....Hawai‘i."
Celine Pi‘ ilani Nelsen
Alaka‘i
Kaua‘i and O‘ahu
Mahalo also to the kumu's, alakai‘ i and NaHHA for the activities and wonderful food, and continued leadership you provide to this years haumana. Words can never express the gratitude we all feel and the pride we all take in being part of this special program. Ola Hawai‘ i is a life changing journey, and we know it is our responsibility to take this knowledge to educate and share it within the visitor industry and beyond, for a better Hawai‘ i tomorrow.
NaHHA with Ola Hawai‘i has open many doors and gave me opportunity to go forward with my passion to continue our Hawaiian Culture within our community and our visitors. I feel very fortunate that I was able to spark some influential people that started my journey. I will still need NaHHA's help and help from my other alaka‘i to send the message when I get ready to go to others here on the Island of Hawai‘i.
Ronnie Claveran
Alaka‘i
Hawai‘i Island
It is with great honor and excitement that I offer my support and commitment to NaHHA and the Ola Hawai‘i program. The entrepreneurship, higher education and leadership opportunities offered by the program are vital to the sustainability of Hawai‘i's Visitor Industry and the quality of life in these islands. Ola Hawai‘i is a necessary foundational block in the restructuring of a responsible and sustainable industry; a visitor industry that recognizes the importance of caring for and respecting the land, people and traditions of Hawai‘i. By supporting Ola Hawai‘i's efforts, we ensure ultimate success; preservation and protection of natural resources, strong and productive communities, quality workforce, positive visitor experiences and sustainable economic opportunities.
Ola Hawai‘i is more than just a program; it is a reconnection of Hawai‘i to its people. It is a promise that if we take care of the people and places that draw an entire world to this paradise; the benefits of our efforts will be profitable and long lasting.
Zhantell Dudoit
Alaka‘i
Moloka‘i
I am very grateful to each and every one of you for making this experience so memorable and contributing to my journey through life. It was an experience that few have been gifted and one that I am humbled to be a part of.
Kumu: The mana‘ o you shared with all of us is unbelievable and I will value it always. Mahalo for teaching us and trusting in our ability to pass on the knowledge. I only hope to be as great as the 3 of you are in my career and endeavors as a Hawaiian within this industry, this place we live, and in my personal life as well.
Pam and Paula: Without the 2 of you, we would be lost! You were our guiding stars throughout the process and trully special to me. Mahalo nui!
Na Haumana: What can I say, we did it! I am so happy that I got to know each and every one of you. I am happy that we are as close as we all are. I look forward to working along side all of you in the future. Please do not hesitate to call me if you need anything.
Mahalo again to all of you and to NaHHA for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful project. It has trully changed my outlook on my life and career. I promise to uphold all that I have learned through Ola Hawai‘ i.
Jonelle Kamai
Alaka‘i
Maui