About
Advocacy, Support, Industry Connection
Ka Leo Ho’okipa
"We have been most grateful to be a part of MHLA. They have been incredibly helpful and hands on in supporting and advertising our business. They take the time to get to know you and your business needs, and actively work to connect you to other businesses and outlets to assist in your growth. They very much support local and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them throughout the years! "
- Stephanie Mallek, CEO of Kula Lodge & Restaurant
The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1987. MHLA represents Maui County’s visitor industry on policymaking and industry-related issues on the county and state government levels and serves as the industry’s liaison to the general public.
MHLA’s membership is comprised of hotels, timeshares, resort condominiums and businesses who understand the importance of supporting an association that is “Ka Leo Ho’okipa” (the voice of the industry).
MHLA advocates the needs of its members to Federal, State and County government officials. The organization also provides timely information and appropriate resources to its members, legislators, the media, and community. Whenever necessary, MHLA provides written or oral testimony on issues that could impact both the visitor industry and community.
MHLA partners with Civil Defense, Maui Police Department, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Maui Visitors Bureau, Maui Chamber of Commerce and various other agencies to ensure necessary and timely information is disseminated to visitors and employees in times of crisis.
MHLA supports the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s strategic plan for workforce development: to ensure a sufficient and highly-qualified workforce is provided with meaningful careers and advancement opportunities. MHLA administers a program entitled the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism that is currently in 6 public high schools statewide. It is MHLA’s objective to better prepare our youth for employment in the industry and keep them in Hawaii for the future.
Giving back to the community is one of MHLA’s primary goals. An integral part of MHLA’s community involvement includes the sponsorship of several key annual events:
- Visitor Industry Charity Walk: A fundraising event held each May that raises significant funds to support numerous Maui County charitable organizations
- Na Kupuna Dinner: A Holiday event that pays tribute to and honors Maui’s Kupuna
- Excellence in Education Golf Tournament: Held each August, proceeds from this fundraising event provides valuable scholarship funds for the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Maui high school students and UH Maui College’s Culinary Academy and Hospitality & Tourism students.
MHLA’s goal is to advocate for the visitor industry, assist with workforce development and support the community as we continue to help Maui recover and stay #MauiStrong.
Maui Hotel & Lodging Association
Meet the Team
MHLA advocates the needs of its members in policymaking & industry-related issues. Join us!
John Pele
Naomi Cooper
Angela Doran
History of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Logo
In 2006, Robert Glick of Glick Design won the MHLA Logo contest. He submitted the following explanation:
The Graphics
The logo has a design style somewhat reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian iconic designs. These tend to display a strong graphic quality, and often have repeating patterns, triangles and other geometric elements, interlocking shapes, and symmetry.
The Colors
The sienna brown and reddish brown colors are often represented in traditional Hawaiian tapa and other graphic designs and refer to colors of the earth. The yellow-orange color was often used for the capes and other items used by Hawaiian Ali’i. Here it represents the color of the sun shining over Maui.
The Letter Forms
The design contains the letters, M, H, L, A. The M represents Maui and Moloka’i and surrounds the “H” on all sides. The “H” represents Hotel and is central to the design. The “L” represents Lodging and Lana’i.
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