Makena Resort announces closure 12 days after telling employees they wouldn’t close this year

It was bitter news indeed: Just a few months after Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar announced that it would close, putting 700 or so people out of work, Makena Beach & Golf Resort announced that they would shut down on July 1, throwing another 385 people out of work.

The reason? The resort’s owner, ATC Makena Holdings, Inc., wants to convert the property into luxury condos.

“It sucks. I don’t want to…

Kurt Lesmerises named new executive chef at Makena resort

Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s Chef De Cuisine Kurt Lesmerises has been promoted to Executive Chef. In his new position, Lesmerises will oversee the resort’s entire culinary and banquet programs.

Resort General Manager Declan McCarthy said over the past year, Chef Lesmerises has done a tremendous job of leading the culinary team and elevating the food and beverage experience at the resort. “We are…