‘Rita sets the standard’: Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i’s Norman receives 2025 Mālama Award

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa veteran team member Rita Ann Norman was recently honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Sales & Marketing Award during the 26th annual Mālama Awards, presented by the Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association, Kaua‘i Chapter.

The Mālama Awards celebrate professionals who demonstrate excellence, integrity and service within Hawai‘i’s travel and visitor industry.

Norman — Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i leisure senior sales manager — was selected for her exceptional leadership in leisure travel sales, unmatched commitment to personalized guest experiences and her deep, lasting impact on the resort and Kaua‘i community.

She has more than 25 years representing Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i and is highly regarded as one of the island’s most trusted and respected sales professionals.

Her impeccable follow-through and heartfelt care for clients set Norman above ever. She also built lasting relationships with travel advisors and guests who return to Kaua‘i year-after-year.

Norman is instantly recognizable at every industry trade show by her signature haku lei and aloha attire. However, it is her authenticity, warmth and love for the island that truly set her apart.

“Rita represents everything Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i stands for: excellence, authenticity and an unwavering commitment to our guests and colleagues,” said Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa General Manager Michael Murphy in a release about Norman’s award. “She has been a cornerstone of our sales team and a true ambassador for the Garden Island. The trust she builds with guests and travel partners, the pride she brings to our brand and the grace with which she serves our community are second to none.”

Norman’s impact reaches far into the local community, beyond her professional accomplishments.

She is an active volunteer and familiar face at community events, most notably serving as a head timer for the annual Special Olympics track and field events.

Norman is equally known at the resort for uplifting her colleagues through thoughtful gestures, from handwritten thank-you notes to sharing her famous homemade cookies.

As many of her peers say: “Rita sets the standard.”

“This honor truly fills my heart with gratitude,” said Norman in the release. “It has been a privilege to represent the extraordinary resort for more than 25 years and to share the beauty of Kaua‘i with our guests and travel partners from around the world.”

Being honored during the 26th annual Mālama Awards underscores her legacy as a hospitality leader and beloved ambassador for the island of Kaua‘i.

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i celebrates Norman’s achievements and is immeasurably grateful for the professionalism and dedication she brings every day to the resort and her island home.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my colleagues who inspire me every day, and to the many clients who have become lifelong friends,” Norman added. “This recognition belongs to all of us who pour our passion into creating unforgettable experiences on this island we love so deeply.”

Visit the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i website or call 808-742-1234 for more information or to make a reservation at the Poʻipū resort.