inSITEs on Responsible and Regenerative Incentive Travel

As Grand Wailea’s Commercial Director, Ben Premack is responsible for designing and implementing the resort’s long-term commercial vision. His role encompasses leading the commercial side of major resort-wide projects, including his participation in Grand Wailea’s $350 million transformation in 2023, as well targeting and leveraging short- and medium-term incremental revenue opportunities. Among these are the resort’s 5,000-person membership program and its 50-villa residence program, both of which are led by Ben, who drives service initiatives, loyalty programming, and ancillary revenues using a combination of strategic thinking, tactical initiatives, and strong business acumen. In addition to these other responsibilities, Ben has direct oversight of Grand Wailea’s group and leisure sales, catering and events, and membership and residence ownership programs.

Before assuming his current role at Grand Wailea in 2021, Ben spent nearly two decades growing his hospitality career with a series of increasingly senior operational, sales, and commercial strategy roles at leading hotels across the United States. Ben holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from Indiana University at Bloomington and completed the Hotel Management and Owners Relations certificate program at Cornell University.

Born and raised on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Spurrier is a proud graduate of Kahuku High School and holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i. Spurrier is an everyday dad as a father of five children and loves life alongside his beautiful wife, Brooke. He also loves everything sports, reading motivational books, serving in his church and community, is passionate about mentoring the younger generation, and takes great pride in growing local Hawai‘i talent for Hawai‘i.

As a Native Hawaiian, he has a long family history in Maui tracing back to his grandmother who was from Hana, and his grandfather who taught at Lahainaluna High School. As a thought leader, his Hōkūpaʻa or “true north” is to inspire millions just as Mr. Marriott did, beginning in his own home and community. One of his favorite quotes is, “he wa’a he moku; he moku he wa’a,” a Hawaiian proverb that translates to “the canoe is an island; the island is a canoe,” which emphasizes the need to take care of Hawai‘i’s unique culture and resources while recognizing everyone’s role in this effort. Spurrier has embraced this in his leadership and looks forward to continuing to perpetuate the culture with an understanding of his kuleana (responsibility) to share it authentically with others.

Spurrier brings a winning mentality and competitive mindset and throughout his career has consistently earned stellar leadership performance ratings and has been the recipient of various awards including Leader of the Quarter, Manager of the Year, Finalist for the Marriott International Global Elite Award, President’s Award for Sales Excellence, and Marriott President’s Circle Achiever.

Account Executive, Raysha Mamala, is a native Hawaiian who is no stranger to this business and the culture here in Hawai’i. She graduated from University of Hawaii a dynamic professional with strengths in planning and project management. Her work experience has provided her with the tools necessary to multitask effectively through excellent organizational skills and with the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under stressful conditions while maintaining a pleasant working environment. In her free time, you can find her chairing non-profit events, sitting on the board of directors of Maui Health Services, and leading non-profit fundraisers and initiatives, making a difference in the community here on Maui. She is a well-respected leader that finds pleasure in welcoming and hosting visitors here in Hawaii, creating an authentic and memorable experience.

Kainoa is currently the Senior Director, Brand for the Honolulu-based Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau. He has worked in Hawai‘i’s visitor industry for 20 years in various capacities in sales and marketing, integrating the importance of the Hawaiian culture.

He has served and continues to serve on many community and nonprofit boards; The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, Judiciary History Center, the Hawai‘i State Art Museum, and the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association to name a few.

He is also an active member and officer of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and serves as Chair of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission representing the Order.

Co-authoring ISLAND WISDOM with Annie Daly was truly a labor of love. They hope you find the traditional, native wisdom helpful in your modern lives.

Kainoa’s favorite day of the week is Sunday morning family time at Sandy Beach with his sweetheart, Leilani and their little girl, Nanea.