Aulani Resort Promotes Gordon “Kanani” Aken, Jr. to General Manager
Longtime hospitality leader will oversee day-to-day operations as Aulani Resort marks its 15th anniversary
KO OLINA, Hawai‘i — Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa announced the promotion of Gordon “Kanani” Aken, Jr. to General Manager. Aken, who most recently served as Hotel Operations Director, brings more than 35 years of hospitality leadership experience across hotels, resorts and cruise operations. He has been part of the Aulani Resort team since its opening in 2011.
In his new role, Aken will oversee Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Guest Services Operations, Housekeeping, Spa, Merchandise and Workforce Management, while supporting upcoming projects. His expanded responsibilities will provide focused leadership across many of the resort’s day-to-day operations, with an emphasis on guest satisfaction, Cast Member development and engagement, service quality and ongoing business improvement.
“Kanani brings tremendous operational experience, a deep understanding of Aulani and a genuine commitment to our Cast, guests and community,” said Kimberly Leimomi Agas, Executive Director at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. “His promotion strengthens our executive leadership and provides even greater focus on enhancing the guest experience, Cast development and operational excellence. Having worked alongside Kanani for many years, I have seen firsthand the care and leadership he brings to Aulani, and I’m confident we’ll continue building on that foundation as we lead the resort into its next chapter.”
Born and raised on the west side of O‘ahu, Aken has held several leadership roles at Aulani Resort throughout his 15-year tenure. He joined the resort in 2011 as Front Office Guest Service Manager, supporting Aulani Resort’s opening before advancing to Front Office Manager and later to Hotel Operations Director. Most recently, he led Guest Service Operations, Recreation, Information Technology and key operating partners. Throughout his career, Aken built more than 35 years of hospitality leadership experience, including senior operations and general manager roles with Warwick Fiji Resort, Majestic America Line and American West Steamboat Company, overseeing areas ranging from rooms and food and beverage to entertainment and retail.
Aken’s promotion follows Agas’ recent appointment as Executive Director, an expanded leadership role through which she continues to guide Aulani Resort while taking on broader strategic initiatives, community engagement and relationships within Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry. Reporting to Agas, Aken assumes responsibility for the resort’s day-to-day guest-facing operation and the Cast Members who deliver it. Agas retains overall responsibility for Aulani Resort, including integrating Hawaiian culture and its business and commercial functions and continues to represent the resort across Hawaiʻi’s business, cultural and visitor industry communities. Having worked together at Aulani Resort for 15 years, the two move into their expanded roles with a shared understanding of the property and its team.
“It is an honor to step into this role and continue building on the foundation we’ve created together at Aulani,” said Aken. “Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this resort and working with an incredible team of Cast Members who bring Aulani to life each day. What makes this role especially meaningful is the opportunity to continue supporting our Cast, caring for our guests, and helping Aulani carry its legacy forward.”
The announcement comes as Aulani Resort celebrates its 15th anniversary in Ko Olina. Since opening in 2011, the 832-room resort has welcomed millions of guests from around the world and employs more than 1,700 Cast Members, making Aulani the largest employer on O‘ahu’s leeward coast. The resort’s 15-year history also includes longstanding community partnerships, including granting more than 2,000 wishes with Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i and providing more than $1.1 million in support to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children.
Media Kit (courtesy of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa)
About Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned on 21 beautiful oceanfront acres of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu. Just 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikīkī, Aulani Resort features 351 rooms, including 16 suites, and 481 two-bedroom equivalent villas, including 20 grand villas. Guests are invited to experience its world-class spa, restaurants and lounges, pools, kids’ club, and more—all uniquely designed for families to discover the culture, history and traditions of Hawai‘i. For more information and reservations, visit www.disneyaulani.com or call (866) 44-DISNEY.
