MEET THE TEAM MINDING THE STORE
Get the inside scoop on golf shop gear and more from Ocean Course Merchandise Manager Elise Guirao
Elise Guirao epitomizes the meaning of Ohana . The Hawaiian word for family , Ohana not only describes how she feels about the people she works with and the guests who visit the Ocean Course at Hokuala , but also the deep meaning for her in the islands . Born and raised on Kauai , Guirao said her family traces its Hawaiian lineage back seven generations .
Guirao ’ s title is Merchandise Manager , but she wears many other hats . She began working at the property in April of 1995 with a part-time position in a gourmet gift shop that sold only coffee , chocolates , hats and T-shirts , but quickly moved over to become a golf shop attendant and has since taken on many other responsibilities in addition to her current role .
Here , she shares her thoughts on the golf shop and working at the Ocean Course …
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How would you describe the golf shop ? Our golf shop offers all the necessities for a great golf round as well as golf and resort wear for on and off the course , including golf balls , gloves , clubs , shoes , golf towels , sunscreen , headwear , and men ’ s and women ’ s apparel and accessories .
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What ’ s the most unique product guests can find in the golf shop ?
One of our most popular non-golf items are the Aloha Collection bags . They are popular among residents and visitors alike . With an abundance of beautiful island designs and available in many different sizes , they are great for traveling and just being on the go exploring our beautiful island .
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What is going on with the golf shop now ? We are undergoing a temporary move as there are new plans for the building that we currently reside in . We plan to utilize our “ Hale Kiele Snack Shop ” area as a golf shop check-in as well as some other future retail opportunities that are in the works . uuu
“ Many of us have worked together at this property for more than 20 years . We are truly an Ohana here .”
– ELISE GUIRAO , Merchandise Manager
What ’ s the best part about working at the Ocean Course at Hokuala ? The people I get to work with .
Many of us have worked together at this property for more than 20 years . We are truly an Ohana ( family ) here . We also get to work on an amazingly beautiful property . We are fortunate to be able to watch the sun rise above hole No . 13 and see the vibrant hues painted in the sky in the distance of hole No . 16 when the sun sets .
uuu What do you like to do for fun ?
Although I have been working in the golf industry for more than 20 years , I just recently started playing consistently with my family in a best-ball scramble format and have been enjoying it . I also love watching movies , plays , going to concerts and listening to music .
uuu Where ’ s your favorite place to eat locally and why ? Hualani ’ s Restaurant at Timbers Kaua`i has a Farm to Table dinner that is absolutely delicious . The food is fresh , the atmosphere is relaxing , and the views are spectacular .
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What might someone be surprised to know about you ? I have
been a hula practitioner for 28 years .
Kawena Hokuala | August-September 2022