I moved to Hawaii in 1980 with the hope of using my advertising and marketing background to land a job in the Hawaii tour and travel industry. I very soon realized there were not many positions available to persons who spoke only English, and preference was always given to folks who knew the islands. In the eyes of prospective employers, I was viewed as JOTB, "just off the boat." I eventually took a job as a food server at a high-end restaurant by the ocean. The atmosphere was pleasant and my work provided me the opportunity to talk with visitors.
It was on a beautiful evening, around 6:30, just as the sun was setting on the ocean, that I met Mr. and Mrs. Carter from the Midwest. They were a lovely couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. I greeted them at the table, mentioned the evening specials and asked if they would like a cocktail. The gentleman ordered two Mai Tai’s. I went to the bar to place the drink order. It was the policy of the restaurant that the waiter put the garnish on all drinks, so I proceeded to place the traditional pineapple wedge, cherry and umbrella on the rim of the glasses. For some reason, probably because it was the first trip to Hawaii for the Carters, I decided to include an orange slice, another cherry, a different colored umbrella and an orchid blossom on the glasses. I could not have known what was about to happen.
I arrived back at the Carters' table and served the drinks, making sure to feature the beautiful garnish. I stood back to watch their reaction. The gentleman reached forward for his wife’s hands and they both began to weep gently. It was such a profoundly touching and extraordinary moment that I vividly remember it almost 35 years later. Mrs. Carter looked up at me and said, “Forgive us, but we have waited all our lives to have a cocktail with an umbrella.”
This was a pivotal moment for me as I realized the personal significance of each Hawaii visitor’s experience. I went on to hold many jobs in the Hawaii tours and activities industry and I would always remember that moment I shared with the Carters. Throughout the years, I held several management positions, and I never forgot to share that moment with fellow employees, to remind them that each visitor has a special reason for the journey to Hawaii and it was our responsibility to ensure each moment in Hawaii was as meaningful as the Carters’.