At Hawaiian Host Group, the Ho‘okipa Award honors team members who bring the spirit of Hawai‘i to life by exemplifying what it means to be true Hosts of Hawai‘i. Ho‘okipa, meaning “hospitality,” represents the generous act of creating a welcoming and caring experience for others. Each quarter, we celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to support our mission, uplift our team, and strengthen our community. While many are nominated, only a select few earn the prestigious HHG Ho‘okipa Award.
We’re excited to celebrate Kody Agbayani, Warehouse Manager at our Mauna Loa facility in Kea‘au, Hawai‘i, as our Q1 2025 Ho‘okipa Award winner!
Over the holiday season, Kody went above and beyond—personally delivering gifts and supplies to our Kapua Orchards team across the island. His gesture not only shared aloha between facilities, but also helped reduce shipping costs—just one example of how he leads with heart.
Kody manages warehouse operations supporting our growing North America sales, ensuring over 10 outbound containers ship each month—on time and with precision. He’s also known for his Oracle expertise and uncanny ability to find any item number on demand, making him a trusted resource across departments.
What truly sets Kody apart is how he shows up for others. He leads with humility, steps up to support his teammates, and helps nurture a strong, connected team culture. Behind the scenes or on the floor, Kody brings calm leadership and the spirit of Ho‘okipa to all he does.
Reflecting on this recognition, Kody shared, “The best moments I’ve had with Hawaiian Host Group have been at the various community events we participate in—whether it’s the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade, Relay for Life, or the Kea‘au Easter Fun Day. It’s always fulfilling to see the engagement we get from the community. Mauna Loa has long been an iconic brand on the Big Island, and during these events, we can really feel the love and support from everyone.”
He added that giving back is even more meaningful because it is done alongside his team: “These events also give us the chance to grow as a team by spending time together outside of work—sometimes even bringing our families along. We’re fortunate to have HHG’s support to represent our brands and truly give back to the communities that have helped shape who we are today.”
Ho‘omaika‘i to Kody, our Q1 2025 Ho‘okipa Award winner, for his dedication, humility, and the uplifting energy he brings to our team every day. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the incredible individuals who make Hawaiian Host Group a true Host of Hawai‘i.
