In January CAH Members marked the end of the holiday season by casting their votes in CAH’s inaugural Concierge Awards. The three categories, Newcomer of the Year, Concierge Pick of the Year, and Ally of the Year are a celebration of those in our community whose consistent hard work and wonderful products bring joy to our jobs as Concierges.
Nominees were chosen by the CAH Board and therefore represent the favorite vendors of a spectrum of Oahu Concierge Desks. In a recent post we announced the winners of each category and now we are ready to expound on why they hold such special places in our hearts.
Newcomer of the Year: Hawaii Forest and Trail
CAH President Vanessa Greene (center) with Hawaii Forest and Trail Director of Sales Jonathan S. Wilt (left) and President and COO Jason Cohn (right).
Newcomer of the Year may seem like an odd award for a company who has been offering tours since 1994, but it is this long-standing history of Hawaii Forest and Trail’s Hawaii Island tours that made their recent expansion to Oahu such a success.
Naturalist and founder Rob Pacheco began the company on Hawaii Island in 1994 after recognizing that Hawaii’s unique position in the center of the Pacific offered visitors an unparalleled opportunity for exploring the natural world. Noting that most tourists missed out on the true splendors of the Island in favor of a poolside Maitai or routine scenic points, Rob sought to share and preserve Hawaii’s special ecosystems. With preservation in mind, Hawaii Forest and Trail runs the ‘I’iwi Fund in partnership with Hawaii Community Foundation in which $1 from every tour booked goes to local conservation efforts.
As one of the few tour companies with land access to private land, many of Hawaii Forest and Trail’s Hawaii Island and Oahu tours take visitors to places they could not otherwise go. On top of exclusive land access, the company is sure to pair guests with experienced guides all with backgrounds in biology, geology, or Hawaiian history and culture. Hawaii Forest and Trail currently offers 7 unique tours on Oahu alone. Perhaps one of their most exciting Oahu Tours takes visitors out of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki to the rustic uplands of Waianae. With breathtaking sunset views of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu guests are treated to fresh local snacks as they take in the setting sun. You can even add on a rum tasting with our Concierge Pick of the Year winner Kō Hana Rum after the hike making this a truly homegrown experience.
Concierge Pick of the Year: Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum
CAH President Vanessa Greene (center) with KoHana Rum GM Kyle Reutner (left) and Front of House Manager Amber Allen (right).
When the ancient Hawaiians voyaged to Hawaii over a thousand years ago their canoes allowed space for only the most vital flora . Known as “canoe plants” these select 27 plants are a revered part of Hawaiian culture. Among them was Kō or sugarcane.
Located in the Central Oahu town of Kunia, an area once surrounded by cane fields, Kō Hana Distillers grows Kō descended from the original stalks brought by the ancient Hawaiians. Go on one of their distillery tours and you’ll learn that in addition to being a hydrating and delicious treat, some varieties of sugarcane are believed to have had mystical properties and were used in ceremonies to honor Gods and inflame passions. While we cant speak as to whether it will call forth a lost love, we can assure you that the agricole rum distilled from these heirloom sugarcane is some kind of magic.
Beyond the significance of the cane itself, Kō Hana sets itself apart by being one of only a handful of distilleries in the world that bottles agricole rum. Distilled from fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses, agricole rum produces a lighter, earthier flavor compared to the syrupy rums you’re likely familiar with. Kō Hana boasts a farm to bottle approach in their process; producing small batches made from single varieties of cane where flavor differences in varieties and seasons can be detected by discerning palates. As if all the history behind their cane weren’t enough to convince you to buy a bottle, their farm is also sustainable, has a brick oven pizza truck, and sells locally made gelato. Be sure to try the Kokoleka, a dessert rum infused with locally sourced honey and cocao.
Concierge Ally of the Year (tie): Teri MacDonald from Hy’s Steak House and Chef Chai
Teri MacDonald (left) and CAH President Vanessa Greene (right).
As concierge we understand that our job often comes down to pure persistence; checking back for cancellations, speaking with supervisors, asking the same question in different terms, these tools are the keys to our various cities. Teri MacDonald won this award because her willingness to put in a personal effort for our guests is reflective of our own.
CAH knows that if anyone can give guests a fighting chance at snagging a table at Hy’s Steak House, it’s Teri. Hy’s is the oldest steakhouse in Honolulu, offering amazing food and unparalleled service so handling their reservations is not an easy task. Teri manages it with grace and through her persistence she makes magic happen. After saying Hy’s is booked she’ll pause, ask to place you on hold or call you back, and by moving tables around (or maybe conjuring them from thin air?) often returns to you with an option for your guest. This additional effort may seem like a small thing, but its this small thing that has made so many of our guests happy.
CAH President Vanessa Greene (left) and Chef Chai (right).
Chef Chai Chaowasaree has been a long time ally of CAH. Chai is always willing to help CAH whether it be through catering, gift donations, or giving a VIP guest some extra love. In addition to catering our annual Luxury Row event, his restaurant Chef Chai has been a Honolulu staple and has remained a reliable recommendation for Concierge for years. By recommending Chef Chai, a concierge knows that their guests will enjoy perfectly balanced fusion plates inspired by Chai’s Hawaiian home and Thai upbringing served in a stylish space with great service.
Chai’s fusion dishes also carry a deeper purpose. The combination of Hawaiian ingredients and Asian flavors are indicators of Chai’s community efforts. He is a co-founder of Hawaii Island Chefs, where he mentors the second generation of Hawaiian Regional Cuisune Chefs and encourages bonds with local farmers and fisherman. CAH is humbled to be bolstered by such a beloved local chef who takes such care of his community. Mahalo!