Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism launches inaugural Women Wāhine in Balance; Registration closes Sept. 24

September 22, 2026, 8:00 AM HST

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Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism will host its inaugural Maui event, “Wāhine in Balance: Life, Leadership & Legacy,” on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.

Registration is open through Sept. 24, 2026. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Tickets are $85 for HIWIL members and $95 for non-members.

Created as an opportunity for women on Maui to connect, learn from one another and be encouraged by the experiences of other local women, the event will bring together leaders from hospitality, business, media and the community for an engaging conversation about navigating life, leadership, purpose and legacy.

The gathering marks an important expansion of Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism’s efforts on Maui and is designed to welcome women across industries, professions and stages of life — not solely those working in hospitality and tourism.

“We are proud to bring Wāhine in Balance to Maui and create a welcoming space where women from all walks of life can connect, share their stories and inspire one another. This event reflects HIWIL’s commitment to empowering women and building meaningful relationships throughout Hawaiʻi,” said Kathy Gunderson, Chairperson, Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism

At the heart of the event will be a moderated panel featuring four accomplished Maui women whose personal and professional journeys reflect different perspectives on leadership, resilience, community and purpose.

Angela Vento — General Manager of Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, brings more than 30 years of hospitality leadership and a commitment to mentorship, inclusion and excellence.
Sherri Hamamura Grimes — Vice President & General Manager of Maui Radio for Pacific Media Group, brings more than three decades of experience in marketing, media, events and community leadership across Hawaiʻi.
Kimberly Brown — founder of award-winning Maui company Akamai Coffee, is an entrepreneur, mentor, coach and people developer who encourages women to understand their identity, develop their gifts, build strong teams and step confidently into their purpose.
Kalikolehua Storer — Area Cultural & Training Specialist for Hyatt Resorts Maui, is a hospitality leader, cultural advisor and Lahaina native whose work centers on Hawaiian culture, mentorship, conservation, faith and community resilience.

The panel will be moderated by Tara Dugan, Maui Representative for Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism and Enterprise Sales for Pacific Media Group’s Digital, Experience Hawaii Media & Hawaii Airport Advertising.

Rather than focusing solely on professional achievement, Wāhine in Balance will explore the fuller stories behind leadership — including the lessons, challenges, relationships, values and life experiences that shape the women we become. The conversation is intended to be candid, relatable and useful, giving attendees an opportunity to learn from women whose paths and experiences may be very different from their own.

“There has been a lack of events for professional women to come together here on Maui. I felt there was a real opportunity to create more of that connection here on our Island home.,” said Dugan. “We wanted to create something that goes beyond networking — a place where women can have meaningful conversations, learn from one another and leave feeling genuinely encouraged and connected.”

The afternoon will also create time for women to meet and build relationships with one another beyond the panel discussion. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will have an opportunity to browse and support shopping vendors as part of the event experience.

Through its themes of Life, Leadership & Legacy, the inaugural gathering reflects Hawaiʻi Women in Lodging & Tourism’s broader mission to connect, empower, elevate and inspire women while creating opportunities for mentorship, professional development and meaningful relationships.