Hawai'i hotel industry veteran Kurt Matsumoto has been named general manager of club and resort operations for the planned club, spa and lodge at Kukui'ula, a new luxury resort community on the south shore of Kaua'i.

Kukui'ula is located near Poi'pu Beach and the historic plantation town of Koloa.

"We welcome Kurt as general manager where he will be part of the executive team that helps fulfill the long-term vision for this emerging luxury community," said Richard A. Holtzman, president of Kukui'ula Development Co. (Hawaii) LLC.

"Kurt has experience and leadership within the resort industry here in Hawai'i at several of its most venerable resorts. His proven skills will help set the foundation for the unsurpassed levels of personalized service we intend to offer our homeowners and guests."

At Kukui'ula, Matsumoto will have "full-charge executive responsibility" for the community's club, spa and luxury lodge.

Prior to joining Kukui'ula, Matsumoto served as general manager of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Big Island, where he was responsible for the operation of the iconic hotel, golf courses and Mauna Lani Spa.

From 1991 to 2000, Matsumoto was vice president of resorts/administration for the Lana'i Co. Inc., where he directed the operational and financial success of the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Hotel on Lana'i. In that position, Matsumoto oversaw the operation of these two luxury resorts and two 18-hole signature golf courses.

Kukui'ula's 1,010-acre community will offer Hawaiian plantation-style homes, a clubhouse, garden spa and wellness center, an 18-hole golf course and club, and a small boutique hotel.