TED “TEDDY” BUSH, OWNER EMERITUS
Ted “Teddy” Bush was born in Kapahulu and raised in Waikīkī from the age of five. His grandfather, Kim Wai, was an original member of Hui Nalu Surf Club, a group of watermen based at the Moana Hotel known for swimming, surfing, and kanikapila—informal music gatherings. The club was a forerunner to the Waikīkī watermen who would later become known as the Waikīkī Beachboys.
The beach was central to Teddy’s childhood. He spent much of his free time surfing, learning to read the ocean, and gaining knowledge from the Waikīkī Beachboys who came before him.
Teddy later attended UCLA, but after a year in Los Angeles, he returned home to Hawaiʻi and began working for Waikīkī Beach Services. Under the guidance of master canoe steersman Alex Apo, Teddy became the youngest person to qualify for and earn the rank of First Canoe Captain. He eventually became the owner of Waikīkī Beach Services and led the company for decades.
Canoe steering has always been one of Teddy’s greatest passions. After countless hours spent honing his skills, he joined several other dedicated Waikīkī Beachboys in founding the Waikīkī Beachboys Canoe Club, a nonprofit racing team that competed in sprint and long-distance canoe races throughout Hawaiʻi. The club was supported through generous donations from friends the Beachboys made while working on Waikīkī Beach.
Teddy spent more than 50 years on Waikīkī Beach, sharing his knowledge and teaching future generations the arts of surfing and canoe steering. Now retired, his influence continues through Waikīkī Beach Services and the generations of Beachboys he taught.
TRACI BUSH
OWNER & PRESIDENT
As Owner and President of Waikīkī Beach Services, Traci Bush carries forward a family legacy built on Waikīkī Beach. She leads the company with a deep commitment to its employees, the Waikīkī Beachboy tradition, and the community that has supported Waikīkī Beach Services for generations.
Waikīkī is more than where Traci works—it is a community she cares deeply about. Giving back and helping protect its future are central to how she leads, both within Waikīkī Beach Services and beyond it.
Traci serves as Chair of the Waikīkī Beach Special Improvement District Association, a board member of the Waikīkī Community Center and the Waikīkī Advisory Committee, and a member of the Waikīkī Improvement Association. Through these roles, she works alongside community leaders, residents, and local businesses to support the people, culture, and long-term stewardship of Waikīkī.
For Traci, leading Waikīkī Beach Services means more than running a business. It means honoring the company’s history, caring for the place it calls home, and ensuring that Waikīkī remains a strong and connected community for generations to come.
LAUREN
WAIKĪKĪ BEACH SERVICES BRAND MANAGER
Lauren has been working for Waikīkī Beach Services since 2010, first as a store manager at our Waikīkī Beachboy Stores, then as the senior buyer for the entire company. Lauren is now the key member in leading our brand strategy and head graphic designer. Lauren is an avid surfer and water woman and is passionate about keeping our oceans and reefs clean. She donates her time to Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and continues to educate our company on ways to keep green.
MIWA
WAIKĪKĪ BEACH SERVICES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Miwa has been our “boots-on-the-ground” for many years, leading the charge on the marketing & public relations for Waikīkī Beach Services. She also handles our client and guest requests personally and is most likely who you will speak to if you call or email us! Miwa is a native Japanese speaker and plays an integral role in working with our Japanese markets and clients. She has a strong background in sales and marketing that are a tremendous asset to the company.
MIKE K.
OPERATIONS MANAGER, WAIKĪKĪ BEACH SERVICES AT THE SHERATON
Mike is a certified surf instructor and second canoe captain; he has been teaching surf lessons in Waikīkī for over two decades, and is one of the most experienced and professional watermen in Waikīkī.
Mike has been managing our beach services since 2007; in 2014 he was promoted to manager of our largest endeavor: the beach & pool services at the Sheraton Waikīkī and is now oversees the entire WBS operation as Operations Manager.
CHUCK V.
GENERAL MANAGER, WAIKĪKĪ BEACH SERVICES AT THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN
Chuck has been an institution at the Royal Hawaiian pool and beach for the last 20+ years–he is by far, the most complemented and asked for employee at WBS. His natural, easy-going attitude and ability to make everyone feel like a friend is why so many guests return year after year to our Royal Hawaiian location. Chuck also holds his second captain canoe license and was an avid paddler for the Waikīkī Beachboys Canoe Club in his youth.
GAVIN K.
GENERAL MANAGER, WAIKĪKĪ BEACH SERVICES AT THE SHERATON
Gavin began working with Waikīkī Beach Services as a board boy while still in high school. Through years of hard work, hands-on experience, and a deep knowledge of the ocean, he grew into the leader he is today.
Now General Manager of our Sheraton Waikīkī location, Gavin oversees the entire operation and the team behind it. He is also an accomplished waterman and surf instructor who carries forward the knowledge, skill, and traditions of the Waikīkī Beachboys.
WAIKĪKĪ BEACHBOYS & BEACHGIRLS
These passionate and talented folks make up the beachboys and beachgirls of Waikīkī Beach Services. They handle everything from the daily operations, reservations and surf lessons. They are the true backbone of the company!