Walter Smith Sr. and Walter “Freckles” Smith Jr. of Smith’s Motor Boat Service were inducted into the Hawaii Hospitality Hall of Fame on Tuesday during World Tourism Day activities.
The program for the induction that was held at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu described Smith’s Motor Boat Company as an “iconic and culturally grounded visitor attraction on Kauai.”
Walter Smith Sr. is the founder of Smith’s Motor Boat Company.
Walter “Freckles” Smith Jr. built on his father’s legacy and was tireless in developing new markets for Hawaii to the point where the Smith ‘ohana includes attractions such as Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Fern Grotto Tours and Smith’s Family Luau, according to the program.
The continuing legacy of the Smith ‘ohana is currently in the hands of Freckles’ son, Kamika Smith.
Saturday is World Tourism Day, recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and the 2025 theme is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.
Sue Kanoho, managing director, Island Chapters, and executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, explained that, “Every year, Sept. 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day, also known as WTD, all over the world with the aim to raise awareness of the important role that tourism plays in building social, cultural and political values worldwide.”
Other 2025 Hawaii Hospitality Hall of Fame honorees include:
• Robert H. Burns, the founder of Regent International Hotels, who helped position Hawaii as a premier luxury destination. Burns started as the general manager of the Kahala Hilton where he pioneered guest-centered service and staff respect, expanding the Regent’s presence across Waikiki, the Halekulani and Maui’s Kapalua.
• Father and son developers Joseph Greenbach Sr. and William Greenbach, who built Hawaii’s first high-rise hotel, the Waikiki Biltmore Hotel, that was constructed entirely with local contractors and suppliers, and employed local staff.
• Peter S. Fithian, the founder of Greeters of Hawaii, who helped make lei greetings an enduring symbol of the Aloha Spirit. A passionate fisher, Fithian launched the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. As the first general manager of Duty Free Shoppers at the Honolulu International Airport, he pioneered the model for airport retail. As chairman of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, he led global delegations and championed not just tourism promotion, but the preservation of Hawaii’s unique culture and values.
Kanoho said that this year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority did not have the Tourism Legacy Awards luncheon that culminates the Hawaii Tourism Conference.
In 2024, the HTA presented the Tourism Legacy Awards to Hamura’s Saimin on Kauai, and Chef Sam Choy “for their long-standing achievements in serving Hawaii’s communities.
“Recognizing and uplifting our beloved local establishments, like Hamura’s Saimin and the award-winning culinary talents of chefs such as Sam Choy, through our esteemed Tourism Legacy Awards, allows HTA and the visitor industry to continue supporting Hawaii’s restaurant and culinary sectors,” said Mufi Hannemann, the HTA board chair, in an HTA press release. “These awardees are truly deserving of this honor, as they remain an essential part of the fabric of Hawaii.”
Hamura Saimin was opened in 1952 by Charles and Aiko Hamura on Lala Road near Kauai High School, and later moved to Kress Street. Kauai’s beloved, hometown restaurant, according to the HTA release, continues to serve residents and visitors the comfort foods of Hawaii, including a variety of saimin, won ton soup, lilikoi chiffon pie, and more.
The HTA and the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management Alumni Association also honored the legacy of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole by posthumously inducting Ke Alii Makaainana, or “the Citizen Prince,” to the Hawaii Hospitality Hall of Fame that recognizes 52 pioneers in aviation, ground transportation, entertainment, education, food services, and cultural enrichment and preservation.
The Hawaii Hospitality Hall of Fame was formed in 2006 by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees with a mission “to honor those individuals who, through their dedication, imagination, courage and long-term commitment to the Hospitality Industry in Hawaii, made this industry the success that it enjoys today, and to honor those who continue to serve this industry in an exemplary fashion.”
Source: The Garden Island
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