What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Events position at Wai Kai?
Director of Special Events
Full-Time | Exempt | On-Site
ʻEwa Beach, Oʻahu
Create Experiences That Bring People Together
Wai Kai is seeking a Director of Special Events to lead the planning, growth, and execution of some of Hawaiʻi's most exciting events and experiences.
From weddings and cultural festivals to night markets, concerts, community events, and large-scale property activations, this role is responsible for creating memorable experiences that drive guest engagement, strengthen community connections, and contribute to the continued growth of Wai Kai.
We're looking for a hands-on leader who can think strategically, build strong partnerships, develop a high-performing team, and bring ideas to life from concept through execution.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the planning and execution of weddings, festivals, markets, concerts, community events, and special activations.
- Identify new opportunities that drive attendance, revenue, and community engagement.
- Partner with Food & Beverage, Recreation, Facilities, Guest Experience, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless event execution.
- Develop strategies to maximize event revenue and enhance the guest experience.
- Manage event budgets, timelines, vendors, logistics, and operational planning.
- Analyze event performance and make recommendations for future growth.
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors, sponsors, community organizations, and business partners.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing Special Events team.
- Represent Wai Kai at networking events, community functions, and industry gatherings.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in event operations, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, or a related field.
- Proven experience planning and managing large-scale events.
- Experience leading teams and working across multiple departments.
- Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets and revenue goals.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of Hawaiʻi's hospitality, tourism, or events industry strongly preferred.
Why Wai Kai?
Wai Kai is more than a destination—it's a gathering place for our community and visitors alike. This is an opportunity to help shape experiences that celebrate culture, connection, recreation, and hospitality while contributing to the growth of one of Hawaiʻi's most unique venues.
Schedule & Work Environment
- Full-time, exempt position
- Primarily on-site in ʻEwa Beach
- Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and special events as business needs require
Pay: From $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please describe your experience leading special events, music festivals, weddings, community activations, or similar large-scale events. Include your role, event size, and responsibilities.
- What is the largest event you have personally led from planning through execution? Please include the approximate attendance, budget (if applicable), and your role in its success.
- This position requires regular on-site leadership presence and the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require. Are you able to meet these scheduling requirements? Please explain.
- Please describe your experience managing event budgets, revenue goals, vendor contracts, sponsorships, or financial performance.
- Tell us about your experience leading and developing teams. How many direct reports have you supervised, and what leadership approach do you take?
- Wai Kai's events often require collaboration with Food & Beverage, Operations, Facilities, Marketing, and Guest Experience teams. Please share an example of a successful cross-department project or event you led.
- Why are you interested in joining Wai Kai, and what about this opportunity stood out to you?
- What unique skills, industry relationships, or experiences would you bring to Wai Kai as Director of Special Events?
- Are you able to successfully complete employment verification, a criminal background check, and pre-employment drug test requirements? Please respond Yes or No.
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000