Summer Akuna

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Kamuela, HI

In January 1977, Summer Akuna was born on an unusually warm day, in Kohala, Hawaii. Though her mother insisted she be named after a local rock and roll band, her father attributed it to the seasons and the weather anomaly. Being born and raised on the Big Island, Summer grew to develop a deep appreciation for the beauty of the land and sea. Her mother, Kay, worked for Ocean Sports, so Summer spent most of her holidays and weekends soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming in the ocean.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama campus, Summer attended the University of Hawaii Manoa but realized that “city life” was not of her. After returning home, Summer assisted her father in opening a restaurant, while launching a small ice cream kiosk of her own. For the past twenty-two years, she has been a dedicated team member at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, serving in various positions from server and beverage cart attendant to bartender.

Summer resides in Waikoloa, just a few houses away from her childhood home, alongside her amazing husband, her hilarious son, his lovely girlfriend, and their chocolate lab, Duke. In her free time, Summer enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and family game nights.