Nathan Brovelli wants guests to learn as much as they can about Kaanapali, Maui and Hawaiian culture. 

KAANAPALI – Nathan Brovelli, bell attendant at Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, has been named a “Na Hoku O’ Ka’anapali” by the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association.

Launched in July 2018, the program recognizes “shining stars” who act as ambassadors of the resort area.

As bell attendant at the front entrance of The Whaler, Brovelli is often the first and last employee that guests see as they arrive and depart, and he takes this responsibility very seriously.

He wants each and every guest to feel welcome and comfortable, and to learn as much as they can about Kaanapali, Maui and Hawaiian culture.

Born in Honolulu to a Hawaiian mother and Italian father, Brovelli was one of six children. His childhood was a happy and loving one, despite his parents’ struggle to keep food on the table for eight people in a two-bedroom home.

His mom always encouraged her children to work and study hard, so that their lives would be fulfilling.

After high school, Brovelli got a job at Kramer’s clothing store at Ala Moana Center. It was the start of a 25-year career in retail, in which he worked his way up from stock clerk to senior manager of two stores. He served in almost every position in the retail industry in the process.

During that period, Brovelli also fulfilled his dream of working as a police officer. He attended the academy for the Honolulu Police Department and graduated in the upper 10 percent of his class.

Although he enjoyed working as a police officer in the field, he made the tough decision to resign from the force for family reasons.

Coming to Maui, he accepted a retail position at the Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort, as well as a part-time bell attendant position.

In 2012, he transferred to The Whaler as a full-time bell attendant. In this position, Brovelli’s natural love of customer service and sharing aloha has come to the forefront.

In 2018, he won third place statewide as Bell/Valet Person of the Year for medium properties (200-450 rooms) by the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.

Meeting people from around the world is an exciting aspect of Brovelli’s work.

“Most of our visitors are eager to know something about our Hawaiian culture and what Hawaii has to offer,” he said.

“Having the opportunity to answer their questions, suggest places to visit, talk about my homeland with pride and provide as much information as I can to make their stay at our hotel pleasant and memorable is an honor to me.”

Brovelli avidly studies his Hawaiian heritage, reading history books, visiting museums, reading old newspapers and writing a weekly “Hawaiian Talk Story Article” in The Whaler’s weekly newsletter (135 weekly news articles and counting).

He is also a huge fan of Hawaiian music, going back to his childhood and the music that was always part of his family life.

At work, he encourages visitors to take both the Kaanapali Trail Walk and the Lahaina Historical Walk, handing out maps of the walks at his bell desk and explaining the history of these important areas to guests.

Brovelli’s favorite Kaanapali spot is Pu’u Keka’a, or “Black Rock,” because of the area’s spiritual and royal past. It’s also the place where Brovelli and a friend rescued a pair of children from drowning in the deep water several years ago.

Like his Hawaiian hero Eddie Aikau, Brovelli never turns away if he sees an opportunity to help someone, whether it’s saving a life or simply helping a visitor create a special memory.

KBRA Executive Director Shelley Kekuna said, “Nathan is truly dedicated to making a positive difference in our guests’ lives while they are here on our beautiful island. He shares Hawaiian culture and hospitality and takes every opportunity to spread joy and aloha.”

For more information about the “Na Hoku O’ Ka’anapali” program, e-mail charlene@kauhaneinc.com.