High School, College Students Explore Career Option

More than 130 high school and college students from across Maui and Molokai learned about careers in hospitality and other industries during a free daylong event on Tuesday.

Workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI partnered with dozens of Maui businesses and organizations to host its Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration program — also known as LEI — at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea.

Activities included on-site visits to several hotels in the Wailea area, a luncheon with Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. and industry leaders as well as discussions on topics such as resident sentiment, the importance of the hospitality industry and Hawaii’s cultural values, according to a news release from the organization.

Students also networked with leaders from more than 30 businesses and organizations during an afternoon career fair that included the hotels as well as Maui County, the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, Kamehameha Schools and Polynesian Adventure Tours.

“When students have an opportunity to connect with a wide range of leaders, ask questions and gain perspective into the hospitality industry, they develop a greater understanding of the diverse career paths that are achievable,” said Michael Pye, regional vice president of Fairmont Hawaii and general manager of Fairmont Kea Lani.

The Maui LEI program kicks off a series of events on other islands; more than 800 students statewide are expected to participate in the program’s 11th year.

To learn more about annual statewide LEI events, email info@climbhi.org or visit climbhi.org.

For more information about ClimbHI’s online portal that provides opportunities to connect with students and teachers about guest speaking, career fairs, mentorships and more, visit climbhi.org/portals/.

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