Highgate Hawaii Expands Leadership Team at Maui’s Renowned Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Highgate, a leading real estate and hospitality management company, has expanded its executive leadership team at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, appointing Edward C. Braunlich as Managing Director, Yvette Kitagawa as Hotel Manager, and MaryAnn Blanchard as Director of Sales for the renowned resort. Royal Lahaina is one of Maui’s first resorts, unfolding across 27-acres of sun-kissed, tropical gardens and more than a mile of secluded white sand across the legendary Ka’anapali Beach. In August 2023, amid a stunning transformation of its iconic oceanfront bungalows, Royal Lahaina was the first hotel in West Maui to pause operations to house families displaced by the Lahaina wildfires in partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC). With its valued community re-established and ARC housing needs at the resort concluded, Royal Lahaina is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new executive leadership team and to welcome back visitors and kama’aina to a prosperous Lahaina.
“At the heart of hospitality is compassion and stewardship built on a foundation of aloha. Our team was honored to open its doors to the community for displaced Lahaina residents as a result of the devastating wildfires. With a longstanding commitment to family, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows remains dedicated to the economic well-being of Maui and its island-wide communities. We are thrilled to offer The Royal Stay an ultimate perks package as we welcome guests back to experience and celebrate the unparalleled magic of Maui.” – Ed Braunlich, Managing Director.
Edward C. Braunlich brings nearly four decades of domestic and international hotel and resort experience to his new role with Royal Lahaina, where he will be tasked with overseeing all operations for the iconic property. Drawing on an impressive 25-year tenure with Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Whitney, eight years with Ritz-Carlton, Braunlich moved to Hawaii Island in 1989 and immersed himself into the island’s revered culture and hospitality with aloha, helming several premier resorts across the state. One of his first hotel roles in the industry was at Hyatt Regency Waikoloa (now Hilton Waikoloa Village), Hyatt Regency Waikiki, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, and most recently, he served as General Manager of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua. During his illustrious career, Braunlich has led several management task forces, opened 11 hotels, including the 300-room Gingko Standard Hotel in Ybin, China, where he served as General Manager.
He also held general manager roles at Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch in San Antonio, Hyatt Siesta Key Beach Resort in Sarasota and Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation in Florida.
Yvette Kitagawa is the heart and soul of Royal Lahaina’s history of generational hospitality, having spent her childhood growing up at the iconic resort and devoting 27 years of her career to leading operations from the front desk, room reservations, sales, and Complex Area Director of Rooms, and most recently was appointed Hotel Manager. Her father, Baye Balmores, led as the hotel’s beloved Executive Sous Chef in the 1970s, and her grandmother, Emily Kaniho, was a retired baker at the renowned resort. At the young age of 8, Kitagawa would string fresh plumeria lei for the ohana (family) to wear as they went to work, and to this day, she shares her gracious and generous culture with guests and associates every day. With a heart of aloha, she is an acclaimed guest speaker at the Maui Community College Hospitality School, preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Kitagawa was awarded the ‘2024 Leadership Award’ by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
With over 25-years of hospitality leadership experience, MaryAnn Blanchard comes to Royal Lahaina from Montage Kapalua Bay, where she served as director of meetings and events. Before her tenure there, Blanchard successfully executed numerous high-profile corporate events and weddings at Sugarman Estate in Makena as the property’s caretaker. Prior, she spent nearly a decade in Wailea as General Manager at Mala Restaurant, Wailea, and Senior Catering Manager at Grand Wailea. Throughout her career, Blanchard has planned more than 2,800 weddings and events and has received numerous public recognitions for her work in the luxury market. As Blanchard assumes the role of Director of Sales at Royal Lahaina, she brings extensive hospitality experience, a profound appreciation for the island’s rich cultural heritage, and a passion for crafting exceptional guest experiences.
ABOUT “THE ROYAL STAY” PACKAGE:
- Minimum (x3) Three Night Stay
- Complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two (2) at Royal Ocean Terrace
- ‘Myths of Maui Luau’ Tickets for Two
- A guaranteed room view upgrade upon arrival
Guests can book “The Royal Stay” Package online today with code ROYALSTAY, rates start at $250. [The retail value of this ultimate Maui package starts at $685, an unprecedented, limited-time savings]. Bookings are available now through December 31, 2024. For more information, please visit www.royallahaina.com | @royallahainaresort or call 808-661-3611.
ABOUT ROYAL LAHAINA RESORT & BUNGALOWS
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is one of Maui’s first resorts, unfolding across 27 acres of sun-kissed, tropical gardens on the world-renowned Ka’anapali Beach. The intimate property, once the preferred retreat for Hawaiian royalty, remains independently owned and curated by locals who share the values of the islands. With stunning panoramic views of neighboring islands, Lanai and Molokai, and premier access to over a mile of secluded Ka’anapali Beach, the intimate oasis offers 333 guest rooms and 129 private bungalows, exquisite open-air dining, the dazzling “Myths of Maui Luau” two serene pools, recreational and tennis/pickleball courts, an adjacent golf course, and above all, its hallmark warmth of personalized hospitality with aloha. The resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Maui, offering a restoring and re-energizing blend of relaxation and adventure. For more information, please visit www.royallahaina.com | @royallahainaresort or call 808-661-3611.
ABOUT HIGHGATE
Highgate is a leading global real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing footprint in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Waikīkī, London and Lisbon. www.highgate.com.
