Kumu A'o (Cultural Ambassador) | Full-time

Company Description

Located on the coveted south shore of Maui in Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaiʻi’s only all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort. This newly transformed, distinctive property is located on the sunny shores of Polo Beach amongst 22 acres of tropical landscape, offering authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and genuine personal service that embody the spirit of Aloha.

From full-moon staff hikes and beach clean-ups to appreciation luncheons and birthday holidays, our team provides endless opportunities to learn and grow in both your personal and professional development. Live and work in a place you love!

What is in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Vision and Dental) including extended benefits like; Basic insurance, TDI and Long-Term Disability for regular Full-time and Part-time employees
• 401(k)
• One complimentary meal for all employees who work more than 6 hours per day
• Food & Beverage discount at Fairmont Kea Lani (venue specific and discount may vary)
• Wellness Offerings
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academies
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world!
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

Job Description

Share your passion for Hawaiian culture with our guests, colleagues and community.  As our Kumu A'o (Cultural Ambassador), you are responsible for facilitating various authentic and engaging cultural activities, classes and workshops while ensuring our Hawaiian values are integrated into every interaction.

Hourly Rate:  $25.97

What you will be doing:

• Facilitate and lead various cultural activities on property or on Keoneopolo Beach
• Assist Manager of Hawaiian Culture in the planning, organizing, and implementation of daily, weekly, and monthly cultural activities, workshops and classes
• Assist Manager of Hawaiian Culture with the strategic development of revenue-generating cultural classes, retail opportunities, and community partnerships
• Continually work towards the expansion of your own cultural knowledge and understanding through training opportunities with the Manager of Hawaiian Culture
• Ensure that overall cleanliness and maintenance of our cultural center, Hale Kukuna and our resort exceeds expectations. 
• Monitor the condition, conduct nightly inventory and ensure the security of the artifacts in Hale Kukuna
• Adhere to the State of Hawaii & EHC (Environmental Health Consultancy) food handling safety standards
• Organize time so all side work is completed according to shift demand.
• Maintain atmosphere of aloha spirit by providing engaging, personalized, timely, and efficient service to our discerning guests – internal or external.
• Focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.
• Promote and enforce health and safety awareness as well as to have a complete understanding of the emergency procedures.
• Follow hotel and departmental policies, procedures and service standards.
• Contribute to the improvement of the operation by contributing ideas, making suggestions and actively participate in departmental communication meetings.
• Actively participate and promote the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s environmental program and department specific initiatives in working towards sustainable operations.

Qualifications

Your experience and skills include:

• Must be proficient in the Hawaiian language
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process
• Must be service oriented and capable of communicating effectively with persons involved in all levels of authority, both internally and externally
• Must possess basic computational ability
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, and e-mail functions
• Must be able to multi-task and be detail-oriented in a fast paced, high volume environment
• Must have ability to work independently and to prioritize or seek clarification in prioritizing work assignments
• Maintain a professional working environment and attitude
• Must maintain sanitation procedures as directed
• Highly versed in Hawaiian history
• Trained in traditional cultural practices under a recognized Kumu, Olohe, or other recognized traditional knowledge lineage
• Strongly Preferred: Knowledgeable in numerous cultural practices including hula, oli, hana no`eau (kapa, `ohe kāpala, hulu, lei, carving, weaving), lawai`a, mahi`ai, mo`olelo, genealogy.