Exceeding Expectations
“On every island, your team continues to amaze us with your fresh, interactive events and unique, relevant solutions to our ongoing challenge, ‘How do we raise the bar every time and make our guests feel individually special?’”
-Private (Financial Services)
Island Partners Hawai‘i is a diverse ‘ohana (family) of extremely creative, experienced professionals empowered by genuine passion, true pride and an unwavering can-do Aloha spirit. We have a deep passion for what we do and are pleased to share with you many of the authentic experiences the Hawaiian Islands has to offer.
Leona Balthazar Vice President of Sales
I am a 5th generation resident of Hawai‘i and am one of the co-founder of Island Partners Hawai‘i. I have had extensive experience in the destination management industry as a travel agent, Onsite Travel Director, Account Executive, Sales Manager, and Director of Sales. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy spending my time off with Ace (my yellow lab) and Ms. Lily (my Maltese).
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Christina White Creative Director
After 25 years as a designer and proprietor of a successful event business in Florida, I chose to sell my business and retire in Hawai‘i with my loving husband, son and fur babies and am currently loving life on Maui. During that time I had been an entrepreneur, merchandising buyer, sales director, designer, event manager and team leader. I am passionate about color and layering textures to create exotic and streamlined design styles. I design with a purpose and bring a clean, organic and fresh approach to events with a modern twist. I love challenges, am a master at designing within a budget and transitioning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
I love what I do and look forward to collaborating with you!
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Noelani Kana‘e Manager, Program Design & Development
My extensive island and vendor partner knowledge, coupled with proven expertise in experience development and thorough execution of destination services, results in integrated program designs for our clients and guests. I am passionate about my Hawaiian heritage, cultural values and my ‘ohana (family). Being born and raised in the islands allows me to incorporate a deeply rooted “sense of place” into each experience designed and executed for our clients.
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Kelly Lafrance Senior Program Designer
Passionate about travel, I’ve spent 25+ years in the incentive & hospitality industry. Exploring the world for both work and adventure, I visited 50 countries to date, but Hawai‘i is my home. A love of Hawaiian Culture, the ocean and astronomy are what keeps me here. I will use my practical experience in program planning, design and operations to assist you in creating unique experiences customized to meet your group’s specific goals and objectives. Looking forward to seeing you here in the islands!
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Lillian Helton Sales & Operations Support Manager
Born & raised in Hawai‘i, the breathtaking beauty of our islands continue to amaze me. I often remind my children how lucky we are to live in paradise. I have worked in the travel industry since the 80’s and joined our Island Partners Hawai‘i ‘ohana in 1997. We appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to share our knowledge, Hawaiian culture, and aloha spirit with our clients and travel partners. We look forward to welcoming you to our islands!
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Sharla Takahashi Curator, Event Experiences
Although I can be thought of as your typical local girl– loving to fish, sunbathe, and chowing down on the local Maui fare, I’m better known for my ability to creatively bring one of kind events to life. My passion for design and event production have always had a precious place in my heart and I can’t wait to help you create memories that you and your guests will cherish forever.
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Charlie Kealoha Manager, Operations & Travel Director Services
I am an 8th generation Hawai’i resident and I live for my grandkids, church, and helping out at Island Partners Hawai‘i. I have worked in the travel industry since 1974 and was a freelance travel director from 1991-2005 before joining IPH.
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Raysha Mamala Account Executive
Account Executive, Raysha Mamala, is a native Hawaiian who is no stranger to this business and the culture here in Hawai’i. She graduated from University of Hawaii. She is a dynamic professional with strengths in planning and project management. Her work experience has provided her with the tools necessary to multitask effectively through excellent organizational skills and with the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under stressful conditions while maintaining a pleasant working environment. In her free time, you can find her chairing non-profit events, sitting on the board of directors of Maui Health Services, and leading non-profit fundraisers and initiatives, making a difference in the community here on Maui. She is a well-respected leader that finds pleasure in welcoming and hosting visitors here in Hawaii, creating an authentic and memorable experience.
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Kanani Dutro Program Manager
I am a Native Hawaiian woman born and raised on Maui. My first love is ohana, without the support of my ohana I would not have been able to thrive in my career. My husband and I have one daughter, identical twin grandsons, and 3 dogs who are our world. I have over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry with a focus in transportation that has given me the experience to provide excellent service through quick solution-based thinking, effective problem solving, and uncanny ability to adapt in all environments. Making your vision come to reality is my passion and I look forward to welcoming you to the islands.
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Qian Wang Manager, Corporate Accounting
I was born in China and moved here just before I turned eighteen. I like working with numbers and keeping them in balance. When I have free time, I like to watch police and legal drama television series.
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