This story was originally published fall/winter 2025 issue of Shidler Business.

Meet Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, BBA ’91, executive director of the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB), a department of the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB). Her responsibilities include developing strategies and tactics, with specific attention to the marketing and promotion of O‘ahu and aligning those strategies and processes with community voices and government directives.

Prior to her current position, she served as a director of sales and marketing at OVB, where she has worked for 28 years. She earned bachelor’s degrees in travel industry management and marketing from the Shidler College of Business and her master’s in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University. Schilling-Wheeler resides in Honolulu with her family.

“Working at OVB is dynamic and no two days are the same.”

Tell us about a day at the office.

“Working at OVB is dynamic and no two days are the same. I typically begin the day by reviewing in-progress projects, upcoming programs that require planning and any issues that need immediate attention. Once priorities are set, I move into focused work and meetings, connecting with industry partners, clients and internal teams to move initiatives forward and identify opportunities to strengthen our programs.

A key part of my day is also supporting my team, checking in to ensure they have the tools, guidance and support needed to succeed and grow.”

What projects or initiatives are you currently working on?

“Entering 2026, my focus is on strengthening the foundation of our work through both the marketing and travel industry management programs. We continue aligning destination marketing with community values and government direction while supporting responsible tourism across O‘ahu.”

What are some of your favorite memories of Shidler?

“My favorite memories are centered around student activities, such as participating in different clubs and TIM Night productions, and engaging with and building meaningful relationships with TIM School professors and our former dean, Chuck Gee, who had the best advice for each and every student.”

What do you do to relax or destress?

“Time is precious, so spending time with family is essential, as they are my greatest support system. I am a strong advocate for travel, learning about different cultures and truly engaging with a place — one reason I work in the tourism industry.

On a day-to-day level, I relax by walking with my husband, getting massages, watching movies and, when time allows, cooking and hosting extended family.”

What’s your advice for current students?

“Never get too comfortable with what you think you know — learning should be constant. We live in a rapidly changing world, so stay curious, engaged and ahead of change.

Remember that organizations function like living systems and everything is connected. If you need to pivot yourself in your career or life, view it as an opportunity for growth, not a setback. Seek out mentors, ask questions, listen to diverse perspectives and take responsibility for your work.

Always look for ways to enhance, elevate and expand programs, careers and personal paths. Most importantly, be pono in all that you do.”

What’s your favorite lunch?

“Musubi (especially mentaiko musubi) and gimbap. A really good pizza is always a favorite, too.”

What’s your favorite activity outside of the office?

“Spending quality time with my family and our dog.”