Catering - Director of Events

Halekulani is a prestigious luxury hotel located in the heart of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. With a rich history spanning over 100 years, Halekulani is renowned for its exceptional hospitality, impeccable service, and unparalleled cuisine. The hotel embodies the core value of LEGACY, deeply celebrating its cultural heritage and traditions while delivering a refined and memorable guest experience. It is a staple of the Waikiki coastline and is widely recognized for its elegant ambiance, stunning ocean views, and commitment to service excellence. Alongside its sister property, Halepuna Waikiki, Halekulani is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the hospitality industry, and its employees live this legacy through what they call the "art of service."

The Director of Events at Halekulani holds a crucial leadership role responsible for overseeing all functions related to generating business for the Events and Banquet Departments. This position involves coordinating a wide variety of events including corporate meetings, weddings, receptions, and special social celebrations. The Director of Events is accountable for achieving established financial goals by driving sales revenue, managing contracts, and executing flawless event operations in collaboration with multiple hotel departments. This role not only demands strategic planning and business acumen but also requires a commitment to delivering outstanding guest satisfaction by maintaining the high service standards the hotel is known for. The Director directly supervises catering managers and the banquets manager, ensuring team alignment with the hotel’s mission.

In addition to sales and event coordination, the Director of Events serves as a key liaison between clients and hotel departments. He or she organizes client meetings and facility tours, negotiates contracts with vendors and entertainment providers, and ensures the accuracy and completeness of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs). Further responsibilities include maintaining detailed records of communications, monitoring departmental financial performance, and developing action plans to exceed service and revenue goals. The Director also plays an essential role in recruiting, training, and evaluating staff, fostering a cooperative and safe work environment that promotes high productivity and quality standards.

Candidates for this role should possess comprehensive knowledge of hotel food and beverage operations, cost control, catering services, and event marketing tools and techniques. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities and supervise a large team effectively. Fluency in Japanese is an added preference, reflecting Halekulani’s international clientele. The position requires a valid Liquor Commission Manager’s Card and familiarity with federal and state health regulations. Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, sustain various physical movements, reach overhead, and maintain extended stationary periods. The work environment varies between indoor air-conditioned spaces and outdoor settings with variable temperatures and noise levels.

Working at Halekulani offers an opportunity to be part of a historic and respected brand committed to luxury, cultural respect, and great service. The hotel values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to join its team and contribute to its legacy of excellence.