The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business’ School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) held its 23rd annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on April 2, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, this year’s event raised more than $300,000 thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and Hawaiʻi business community.
“This event reflects the deep commitment our community has toward nurturing the next generation of leaders in hospitality,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “We are incredibly grateful to the many hands that make this evening possible—from our sponsors, donors and alumni, to the hospitality professionals and partners who continue to uplift our students year after year.”
Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and long-lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry. This year, the Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to John Morgan, Tetsuji Yamazaki was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor, and Japan Airlines (JAL) received the Distinguished Service Award.
Morgan, who is the president of Kualoa Ranch, received the Legacy in Tourism Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to sustainable tourism, land stewardship and education. Celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025, Kualoa Ranch has flourished under Morgan’s leadership, becoming a global model for experiential and culturally grounded tourism. The ranch continues to attract visitors from around the world while preserving Hawaiian heritage and supporting local communities.
Yamazaki is the general manager of the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. He is a proud TIM School alumnus and was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. Yamazaki has dedicated more than 25 years of his career working for Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts and was recently named the 2024 General Manager of the Year, Resort Property, by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Originally from Japan, Yamazaki is dedicated to his community, spearheading many community efforts and especially playing a pivotal role in the aftermath of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
JAL was honored with the Legacy in Tourism Award for its enduring commitment to Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry, dating back to its inaugural flight to the islands in 1954. As a vital bridge between Japan and Hawaiʻi, JAL has been instrumental in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two regions. Its contributions to tourism, employment and global connectivity have made a lasting impact on the state.
This year’s presenting sponsor was First Hawaiian Bank. Contributing sponsors included Hawaii Care and Cleaning, Kualoa Ranch, Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International. Hawaiʻi Business Magazine returned as the event’s media partner.
To support the TIM School or Shidler College, please contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. Find out more about past honorees.
