Jansen Medeiros, vice president of operations for Hogan Hospitality Group, enjoys helping coworkers reach their potential.

KAANAPALI – Jansen Medeiros, vice president of operations for Hogan Hospitality Group, has been named a “Na Hoku O’ Ka’anapali” by the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association.

Medeiros is one of many “shining stars” who act as ambassadors of KBRA’s public relations campaign that launched in 2018.

The campaign highlights Kaanapali’s best and brightest individuals and shares their stories, thereby increasing the public’s understanding and interest in this dynamic area.

As VP of operations for Hogan Hospitality Group, which includes the Royal Lahaina Resort as well as other properties on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island, Medeiros works hard to grow the group’s managed hotel portfolio.

Hogan currently employs more than 1,600 employees across 31 hotels and resorts. The group recently added ten new hotels in California and Arizona.

For Medeiros, working toward a broad vision is part of the thrill of his position.

Born on Maui and raised in Napili, he started working at the Royal Lahaina as a luau dancer in 2001.

He held positions such as information technology manager, director of housekeeping and director of operations before leaving the company in 2009.

Following a move to Austin, Texas, he served as a guest service manager at the Sheraton Austin, and then as a corporate analyst at Prism Hotels & Resort.

He returned to Maui in 2014 as managing director, in charge of leading regional operations for all Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts.

Working in the hospitality industry is all in the family for Medeiros. His mother attended Lahainaluna High School and worked as a room controller at the Westin Maui before she passed away in 2012.

His father has worked at Kaanapali Beach Hotel in purchasing for the past 30-plus years.

Growing up, Medeiros fished a lot in Kaanapali and remembers visiting his dad at work to show him what he caught.

He would also visit his mom at the Westin (he still walks around the lobby today to reconnect with those memories).

Learning “grit” from his mom and “optimism” from his dad have served him well on his career path, and these principles continue to guide his day-to-day work.

Medeiros holds an MBA and Master’s Degree in Hotel Management.

He served in the Air Force and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Although his busy life leaves him with little free time, when he does have time off, he loves to spend it with his family relaxing at the beach, hiking, surfing and just enjoying the beauty of Maui.

“I love that I am able to learn and grow every day in my work, and I enjoy helping others realize their potential,” Medeiros said.

“My proudest moments come when I can help people.”

“Jansen’s positive mindset and dedication to service really serve to inspire those around him,” said KBRA Executive Director Shelley Kekuna.

“We are proud to name him as an outstanding example of one of our Na? Hoku O’ Ka’anapali.”

According to KBRA, Na? Hoku O’ Ka’anapali embody several essential qualities: they are well-respected in the Kaanapali community, they are 100 percent committed to serving the area, and they are at the top of their game in their professional fields.

They are also fascinating individuals with unique interests, and their respect for Hawaiian culture runs deep.

Throughout the year, KBRA introduces and celebrates Na Hoku with media events, demonstrations and discussions, both in person and online.

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