WAIKOLOA — As the new manager of marketing and special events for Queens’ MarketPlace and Waikoloa Beach Resort, Hanna Bree’s focus is on the visitors’ experience.
“I want to ensure that visitors have the best possible time while here. The resort was created to offer families, both tourists and locals alike, a place to have fun, relax and enjoy themselves, while creating lasting memories,” she said.
In her first several weeks on the job, Bree has been soaking up the culture and activities offered at the resort.
“I’ve been learning so much about the rich history of the area. Waikoloa Beach Resort is the gathering place of the Kohala Coast, and this holds true of the area long before the resort’s inception,” she said. “There’s so much more to see and experience than meets the eye. There are the ancient fishponds by Anaeho’omalu Bay, and we have some of the best preserved petroglyphs in the state.”
“Families come for shopping, food or golf, but can also learn about and experience Hawaiian culture firsthand,” she continued. “We have weekly hula shows, luaus and live performances by Hawaiian musicians. Then there are the events like the Ukulele Festival and Asia Fest — both coming up in spring 2019.”
Bree is bringing a fresh perspective to the resort.
“Like so many industries, travel is going digital. Tourists are seeking travel information online and through social media. I hope to expand our digital presence and capture a larger audience of travelers this way, as well as enhance visitors’ experience on site through digital offerings and experience,” she said.
What drew Bree to the job originally was “a fantastic team of people at Waikoloa Land Company,” she said.
“Hanna is a great addition to our team,” Scott Head said, Waikoloa Land Company’s vice president of resort operations. “She has local, national and international experience in marketing, events, business development and strategic planning. With her help, we can continue to evolve our focus on digital marketing, and produce and improve our schedule of special events that the community loves.”
Bree earned her bachelor of business administration degree from The George Washington University, focusing on marketing and international business. In 2014, she came to North Kohala, where her mother is a third-generation kamaaina, and worked as a business development specialist for The Kohala Center.
In her new position, Bree oversees the resort’s marketing plans, along with weekly activities and large-scale events for holiday and cultural celebrations.
“I am very happy to be on board as we head into the holiday season,” she said. “Queens’ MarketPlace produces some of the most exciting events on the Kohala Coast. We have good, solid roots in the community, and I’m proud to be part of that. I hope to help exceed expectations going forward.”