Spotlight: Christine Christensen

Christine, otherwise known as “Bini”, Christensen, has been the stable rock of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association since taking on the Membership & Events position in 2015. Her hardworking nature, competitive edge and heart for the island became immediately apparent with her improvement of the statewide Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Ever since her involvement, the Maui County Charity Walk hit one-million dollars in fundraising success and each year since, has not only continued to reach over one-million dollars in fundraising, but consecutively exceed the previous year’s mark.

Throughout the past nine years, Christine has reported to general managers from every hotel property, worked directly with county officials, dignitaries, business owners, CEOs, and nearly every non-profit across the island. Her ability to build trust and good faith throughout the highest levels of authority is a rare strength that Christine brought to every table. Her thorough and honest follow-up and stead-fast task execution secured reputable integrity for this association, setting an impressive par. When asked what her favorite part of this career was for her, she spoke of fond connections she made, professional and personal.

“Your team is the entire island of Maui,” says Christine. “I would not be who am today without the little bits of all of you.”

In the recent wildfires, the MHLA organization was heavily involved in the initial displacement housing and supporting all hotel properties during the devastation and recovery. Tets Yamazaki, the General Manager of the Sheraton Resort & Spa Maui, shared how a text from Christine was the first sign of hope he had after a rush of fire survivors flooded into the property. “She said there was a bus coming, that she promised they would get people out of there and the West side,” Tets recalled. “That’s how I’ll remember her and MHLA forever – a sign of hope.”

Christine’s hula background is what started her journey in the tourism industry, leading to performing in luaus and even the world famous Ulalena show in Lahaina. Being a mother, she is often found at soccer games, Kumon, and traveling the latest Disney cruise ship with extended family in tow. As she leaves the tourism industry, we know she will continue to touch lives for many in her next endeavor and take our little bits with her along the way. With all that has transpired over the last decade for Christine, we see her moving on as a bittersweet success story for us all and wish her the best of luck in the next chapter.

A hui hou.