Job Details

Join a company that is involved in many diverse operations in one of the most beautiful places in Hawai'i. Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i has enjoyed a proud past and looks forward to an exciting future. A team committed to Hawai'i . . its history, community, visitors & each other. Be a part of it! Share with our guests the beauty, history and culture of Hawai'i!

Position Title: Hawaiian Culture Manager

Schedule: Full-time; open availability including weekends and holidays is required

Reports To: Director of Operations & Education

Position Summary

At Kualoa Ranch, our commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture is deeply rooted in our mission, values, and daily practices. The Hawaiian Culture Expert plays a key role in stewarding and uplifting the ʻ ike kupuna (ancestral knowledge) of this land, ensuring that Kualoa's cultural values and practices are reflected in every aspect of our work. From guest experiences to internal staff development.

This position is responsible for developing and implementing cultural education programs, maintaining relationships with local practitioners and cultural organizations, and serving as a resource for accurate, respectful integration of Hawaiian traditions across departments. The ideal candidate will be a trusted cultural practitioner and educator with a passion for mentorship, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Cultural Education & Training

• Design and lead regular workshops, trainings, and cultural enrichment opportunities for Kualoa employees.
• Work with departments to integrate appropriate Hawaiian cultural practices into operations, tours, and guest interactions.
• Provide guidance on Hawaiian cultural protocol and language usage across internal and external communications.

Community & Practitioner Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with cultural practitioners, kumu, kupuna, and local Hawaiian organizations.
• Collaborate with educational institutions, nonprofits, and community leaders to support the perpetuation of Hawaiian knowledge.
• Act as liaison between Kualoa and the Hawaiian community, offering insights that support cultural sensitivity and inclusion.

Cultural Program Development

• Develop and oversee cultural initiatives that promote ʻ ike Hawai ʻ i across Kualoa's programs, events, and outreach efforts.
• Organize cultural activities, ceremonies, and observances that align with the lunar calendar and seasonal traditions.
• Support tour and events staff with culturally aligned content, storytelling, and site protocol.

Cultural Preservation & Stewardship

• Provide guidance for the protection and respectful use of wahi pana (storied places), heiau, and other culturally significant sites at Kualoa.
• Offer insight on land-based practices, including lo ʻ i, limu, la ʻ au lapa ʻ au, and other traditional resource management systems.
• Support documentation and archiving of cultural practices, chants, stories, and artifacts unique to the ʻ āina of Kualoa.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies, Cultural Anthropology, History, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Deep knowledge of Hawaiian history, language, values, and traditional practices.
• Experience teaching or presenting cultural content to diverse audiences.
• Established relationships with Hawaiian cultural communities and practitioners.
• Ability to speak confidently and respectfully about Hawaiian protocols, land stewardship, and cultural traditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a cultural, community, or educational leadership role.
• Skilled in traditional practices such as oli, hula, la ʻ au lapa ʻ au, or mahi ʻ ai.
• Familiarity with land-based education and ʻ āina-based practices.
• Experience leading cultural protocol for events, ceremonies, or site visits.

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i is proud to be a drug free and equal opportunity employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by applicable local, state, or federal law.