WAILUKU — The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s 13th annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at Makena Golf Course. 

With a 7 a.m. shotgun start, the tournament will be followed by an awards luncheon.

This popular event provides funds for the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) program and scholarship funds for Maui Community College students in the Culinary and Business & Hospitality programs.

The AOHT program, administered by the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA), is a two-year curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence while exposing students to the “real world.” 

The academy’s primary goal is to prepare students for post-secondary education and cultivate workforce development in one of the world’s largest service industries.

Students receive valuable exposure to the industry via internships, job shadowing, research and event planning, service projects, job site visits, university visits and travel. 

“The AOHT program offers students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the visitor industry. Many of these students continue on to post-secondary education with a head-start in selecting their field of study,” said Carol Reimann, MHLA executive director.

“We are pleased to offer such a great program to high school students — our future business leaders ± and contribute to workforce development.”

The 13th annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament is open to the public. Advanced registration is required; visit www.mauihla.org or call 244-8625.

This popular event also includes a putting contest and skills challenge.

Prizes will be awarded to the top ten teams, including items donated by members of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, such as accommodation stays, dining certificates, golf certificates and merchandise.