The Lineup at Wai Kai Announces Key Team Member Appointments
February 1, 2024
EWA BEACH, HI — The LineUp at Wai Kai, a year-round waterfront venue for active adventurers anchored by the Wai Kai Wave and the adjacent 52-acre recreational Wai Kai Lagoon, announces the appointment of Jerry Pupillo as director of business development and general manager. In addition, Yuko Yoshida has been named director of marketing, and Mickey Lasater has joined the team as director of food and beverage. Located 35 minutes from Honolulu overlooking the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, The LineUp at Wai Kai’s amenities include the Wai Kai Wave, the 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon for water sports, signature restaurants, Nalo Kai Club, and Sessions Lifestyle & Apparel.
Jerry Pupillo, Director of Business Development and General Manager Tasked with developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve the development’s growth objectives, hospitality and leisure industry veteran Jerry Pupillo will sit at the helm of all operational departments of The LineUp at Wai Kai. With over three decades of experience in the Hawaii tourism industry, Pupillo’s career has spanned waterparks, marine mammal facilities, recreational and agricultural ranches, and more. Before joining The LineUp at Wai Kai, Pupillo served as president and general manager of Wet ‘n’ Wild in Kapolei, Hawaii, where he oversaw strategic planning, development and implementation, sales, marketing, and facility operations. During his nearly two-decade tenure, Pupillo led high-profile projects, including the launch of over eight new attractions and secured rezoning agreements with city and state agencies to ensure future development of the 30-acre Wet ‘n’ Wild park. Prior, Pupillo held roles with Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu.
Yuko Yoshida, Director of Marketing With 12 years of experience in the industry, Yuko Yoshida will execute marketing strategies and tactics to continually elevate the property’s market position within the destination. In her most recent role, Yoshida served as marketing manager at the Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she developed and implemented integrated campaigns with an emphasis on expanding to new audiences. Yoshida has also held positions with the Halekulani Corporation and Goldman Sachs Asia.
Mickey Lasater, Director of Food & Beverage An industry veteran of nearly two and a half decades, Mickey Lasater will oversee all food and beverage operations at The LineUp at Wai Kai, including The LookOut Food & Drink, which offers a front-row view of the surf action from its expansive lanai and wave deck. Armed with credentials from Le Cordon Bleu Academy in Orlando, Florida, and a wealth of experience with notable restaurants across Florida and Hawaii, Lasater will drive bottom-line success through concept and menu development and ensure exceptional hospitality.
Additional Hires Kanako Reeder has been hired as marketing manager, and Kallin Spiller has been hired as events and marketing manager.
