Kuhio,02.11.17 ( ETN )-Henry Perez is the new general manager of Hilton Waikiki Beach on Kuhio. He leads a team of more than 300 in continuing the hotel’s reputation for outstanding guest service and value. In 2016, Hilton Waikiki Beach on Kuhio ranked number one in highest satisfaction and loyalty tracking scores within Hilton Worldwide Americas for hotels with more than 500 rooms.

“I’m privileged to be joining a team that embraces and practices the Aloha spirit,” says Perez. “Our motto is, ‘we will make it right,’ and we always do. My primary job is to take care of our team, they are our biggest asset. I will make sure they have everything they need, tools and confidence, so they can do their jobs well, be happy and make our guests happy. I love to walk the hotel several times a day and speak directly to our team members.”

Perez’s priorities are to continue the team’s focus on guest service, increase food and beverage revenues, continue cultivating its relationship with the local kamaaina market and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. A resident of Hawaii for more than 25 years, sharing the history and culture of the destination is very critical to Perez.

Hilton Waikiki Beach on Kuhio stands on a section of a previous site called Pualeilani, or “flower from the wreath of heaven,” that belonged to Prince Kuhio Kalaniana’ole Piikoi – a descendant of ancient royal families. In respect to Prince Kuhio’s legacy and the nature and culture of Hawaii, the southwest corner of the hotel’s lobby is a dedicated Prince Kuhio Room with historical photographs, manuscripts and relics including feather lei worn by royalty and koa-made implements. An artistic form of the Prince Kuhio vine, a bright magenta blossom from a flowering vine, is incorporated throughout the exterior and interior design of the hotel.

“This is an area that I will be putting a greater emphasis on. Hawaii’s culture is beautiful, and it has an important history worth sharing. It is our responsibility to share this with the local and visiting community.”

Known for being an enthusiastic, approachable and very hands-on type of leader, Perez is a respected leader in Hawaii’s hospitality industry. He served as director of operations to 16 hotels for Aqua Hotels and Resorts, and general manager for Marriott Courtyard Waikiki, Hilton Grand Vacations at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Aqua Palms, and Embassy Suites Resort.

Perez’s favorite Hawaii experiences include visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center and devouring the fresh food offered by one of the many shrimp trucks in the North Shore.