This story was originally published in the fall/winter issue of Shidler Business.
Meet Sean Ganhinhin, BS ’08, general manager for the Prince Waikiki, a property featuring oceanfront rooms and suites. His responsibilities include overseeing operations, sales and marketing efforts for Prince Waikiki and Hawaii Prince Golf Club. Prior to his current post, he held leadership positions at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, The Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in travel industry management from the School of Travel Industry Management. Ganhinhin resides in Honolulu with his family.
Tell us about a day at the office.
“I usually get in early and spend about an hour checking emails and I try to be ‘on the floor’ as much as possible. I enjoy walking our lobby and checking in with our guest-facing teams. When VIPs arrive, I greet them. There are always meetings, especially toward the end of the year when we’re in budgeting season and planning for the upcoming year. I also conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team leaders. I want to make sure I’m aware of what’s happening and more importantly, I want my team to know that I’m always available if they need something.”
What projects/initiatives are you currently working on?
“We just got through ‘Festive Season,’ which included weekly workshops where guests and locals joined for wreath making, soapmaking, canvas painting and all sorts of other family-friendly activities. We then had the grand opening of our Sippin’ Santa Holiday Bar and Holly Jolly Waikiki Trolley. We do have some great things coming up in 2025, including exciting renovations around Prince Waikiki.”
What are some of your favorite memories of Shidler?
"My favorite memory of Shidler is feeling like family with my classmates. We would gather in the courtyard to eat, study and just hang out – it felt like home. Even some of our professors would hang out in the courtyard and it was just an overall good feeling. It was like we were the only ones that existed on that campus. I also fondly recall living off the coffee cart!"
What do you do to relax/destress?
“I enjoy unwinding with my family. My wife and two boys are my pride and joy so any time I get to spend with them is my favorite way to relax. Being active also helps to clear my mind so I exercise as often as my schedule allows me. It’s a great way to destress and be physically healthy at the same time.”
Sean Ganhinhin, BS ‘08
How did your experiences at Shidler prepare you for what was to come?
“As a TIM grad, I’m impressed at how the school prepares students for the hospitality industry. When I graduated from Shidler, I felt excited and prepared to enter the travel industry and I believe that Shidler sent me into the real world with a well-equipped toolkit. I gained so much knowledge and experience in and out of the classroom. The camaraderie inspired me to join the travel boards I sit on today, which include the Waikiki Improvement Association, The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and The Independent Hotel Show.”
What’s your advice for current students?
“Slow down and don’t rush. I was eager to get out of college and start working, but when I look back now, I wish I had slowed down, enjoyed life more and traveled. I’ve learned through the years that it’s not about how quick you can get through life, it’s about the quality of the time you spend. When you’re young, you think life is a race. As you become wise, you realize racing through life is the last thing you want to do. Instead of rushing, take it all in and embrace every moment you’re given.”
What’s your favorite lunch?
“During the week, my favorite lunch is the wagyu burger from our signature hotel restaurant, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar. It’s served with bacon jam and pepperjack cheese, and the whole combination just melts in your mouth! Plus, we have the best french fries in town–not too thick, not too thin and perfectly crisp on the outside but soft on the inside.”
What’s your favorite activity outside of the office?
“I love traveling, it inspires me. I feel enlightened and satisfied when I’m traveling–tasting new food, learning new languages and seeing new landmarks. Now that I have kids, I believe it’s important for them to experience other parts of the world as well.”
