Kurt Matsumoto

President, Pulama Lanai - Honolulu, HI

As president, Kurt leads a diverse management team that works with the Lanai community to plan and implement sustainable commerce, energy, conservation, health care, housing, education and hospitality initiatives. As the third generation of his family born and raised on Lanai, Kurt has a strong connection to Lanai and to ensuring that the sustainable development of the island maintains the integrity of local values and traditions.

Prior to joining Pulama Lanai, Kurt was general manager of operations for Kukuiula Development Company Hawaii on the island of Kauai, where he oversaw planning and design through to the opening and operation of the Private Club. He also served as general manager of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Kurt opened the Manele Bay Hotel on Lanai, working with the community in the early 1990s on the development of the resort. Over the ensuing 10 years, Kurt went on to manage both The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel as VP of resort operations. Earlier in his career, he spent 10 years with Hyatt Hotels, in management roles in six cities, and with Rock Resorts in the British Virgin Islands.

Kurt received his bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Oregon State University. Previously, he served on the Hawaii Island Visitors Bureau, the West Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Visitors Bureau, the Hawaii Lodging Association, and the Board of the Historic Hawaii Foundation.