Meet the Reservations Team / Service with Aloha
With a combined 34 years of experience with Holo Holo Charters, it’s no wonder our trio of reservation managers are the go-to for all inquiries from land to sea. Megan Coscarella, Pililani Alaibilla and Hi’ilei Alaibilla oversee every booking, field every call, and tailor every customer experience to be informative, seamless, and fun! As the first point of contact, our reservations team acts as not only the face of the company, but also the gatekeepers of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The transformative experience of laying eyes on the majestic Nāpali Coast for the first (or 100th) time, is truly indescribable, and the adoration our team has for our ocean office is abundantly clear.
Megan was drawn to Holo Holo prior to joining the team. Beginning her life here on Kauaʻi as a concierge, she was lucky enough to experience a Nāpali tour as a consumer and it changed her life. “The quality of snorkeling, the vessel handling, and the relationships sold me,” she said. Shortly after, she joined the team and has been with Holo for roughly 18 years.
“We embrace the opportunity to educate potential clients about Kauaʻi’s marine life and the Nāpali Coast while also being completely transparent about what we do and do not have control over,” Megan explained. Many visitors (rightfully so) plan to see the Nāpali Coast on their visit to Kauaʻi, and the Holo Holo team never takes for granted the opportunity to share that experience with guests. However, ocean conditions can change and tours can occasionally be rerouted or rescheduled for the safety of our guests and crew. It’s nature’s unpredictability that leads to Megan’s #1 tip for those visiting—book early. “Book as far in advance as you can, but also book a boat tour as early in your stay as possible,” she said, “this way, if conditions are not ideal, you will still be able to enjoy what I consider the #1 sightseeing expedition on Kauaʻi—the Nāpali Coast–once the conditions improve.”
Pililani was born and raised on Kauaʻi and has been with Holo Holo for 9 years. She agrees that the adventure of our snorkeling tours is unparalleled. “Even though I’m not much of a ‘boater,’ every time I’ve been on a boat, I have always loved the feeling of a rollercoaster ride, and our tours provide that same thrilling feeling. And the snorkeling at Lehua Crater is fantastic.”
Although bookings are easily made online, the team encourages guests to reach out via webchat, text, email, or phone call. Personal contact makes a huge difference when selecting a tour, and our team is ready to guide you to the best fit for your personal preferences. The team understands that a catamaran tour is an investment–not only financially, but in understanding more about Kauaʻi and engaging with our precious marine life. With that in mind, the team strives to help guests select the best possible choice for each customer who joins us on the water. In the texting age, we still encourage guests to call us for a quick chat about which tour is best for you. (Insider tip: You can also save a couple of bucks reserving via phone!)
With nitty gritty details on each tour, seasickness remedies, and first-hand recommendations, the one-on-one conversation is well worth it. Although a majority of our guests are from off-island, we support our local community’s opportunity to enjoy their local playground at 20% off kamaʻāina price.
In Hi’ilei’s 7 years with Holo Holo she’s enjoyed working alongside a passionate group of people working towards the same goal. “It’s not just a job; it’s a shared journey fueled by passion and a shared love for what we do,” she said. Megan echoes this sentiment explaining that the staff from reservations to crew are like family, but “a family that needs to function…a team.” The motivation that comes with a healthy workspace has molded a team that celebrates each other daily. With all vessels built right here on Kauaʻi, Holo Holo has a particularly personal feel. We are proud that the experience we provide keeps guests coming back and keeps employee turnover to a minimum.
After 18 years Megan looks back with gratitude on the ability to bear witness to the growth of the company. “This is the best season so far,” she said, “and I’m excited to see it nurtured and grow over time.”
Now for a little insider scoop Q&A from our reservations team!
What is your favorite tour?
“This is the tour I recommend to all my friends and family who want to go out and have a great time.” – Pililani
“Getting into the water near Lehua Crater is like jumping into an aquarium with no walls.” – Megan
“Nothing quite compares to the majestic beauty of the Nāpali Coast, and when Leila puts up those sails, it adds an extra layer of excitement. It’s truly magical.” – Hi’ilei
What is your favorite part about living on Kauaʻi?
Megan: “The quality of personal connection. I love raising a family here with a small-town feel wherever you go. And of course feeling like you’re on vacation every day!”
Pililani: “I was born and raised in Kauaʻi, and there are many things that I love about this beautiful place that I call home. However, if I had to choose the best thing about it, I would say it’s being surrounded by so much natural beauty. Sometimes, I might take it for granted, but working at Holo Holo Charters constantly reminds me of how fortunate I am to live where I do.”
Hi’ilei: “Living on Kaua’i is a privilege I cherish every day. There’s an undeniable allure to the island’s raw beauty. Recently, I took a drive up to the North Shore, and it was a powerful reminder of Kauaʻi’s natural wonders.”
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Megan: “Tapping into nature. Immersing myself in the water is therapy to me. Also, playing in the kitchen. Food is a passion of mine.”
Pililani: “I love to cozy up on my couch with a good book and enjoy the peace and quiet when I have free time, or spend time with my family.”
Hi’ilei: “After becoming a mom, I found that my fun days have shifted a little, but you’ll often find me soaking up the sun at the beach or chasing after my little one at the park.”
What do you like most about working at Holo?
*Disclaimer – The team did not see each other’s answers. Our staff is just that good!
Megan: “The passionate group of people in every department—captains and crew, reservations staff, HR, owners, our GM. It’s motivating to get up and get to work when it’s a group passion project for the same end result.”
Pililani: “Whenever I am training new staff and they ask me about my favorite aspect of working at Holo Holo Charters, I always give the same answer – the people I get to work with. Every job comes with its own set of challenges and some not-so-good days, but working alongside the warm and welcoming team, we have always outweighed the harder days for me.”
Hi’ilei: “I love being asked this question because the answer comes so easily to me. It’s the people I get to work with each day and the culture here.”