Well-loved restaurateur retiring after 40-plus years

Celebrations have been taking place recently for two well-known Honolulu women, both of whom I have worked with for decades. They are much-respected restaurateur Alicia Antonio and beloved singer-musician Mihana Souza. Alicia retired as manager of Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Bali Steak &Seafood restaurant on July 2. Mihana marked her 67th birthday on June 22. She has the energy of someone half her age.

Alicia was at the Bali for 21 years after 24 years at the Kahala Hilton, where she mostly managed the Maile Restaurant. She came here from the Philippines to attend the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management and worked at the Kahala Hilton on weekends. General Manager Robert “Bob” Burns brought her on at the Kahala, where she worked at the front desk before getting into food and beverage. She praised Burns, general managers Richard Handl and Louis Finamore and chef Martin Wyss for her success and promotions at the luxury hotel.

When the Kahala shut down for major renovation in 1995, Hilton Hawaiian Village executives Peter Schall and Noel Trainor quickly snapped her up to manage the Bali. Besides their backing, Alicia said she has also received much support from current Hilton Hawaii Vice President Jerry Gibson, who threw her a surprise luncheon Tuesday. The party was attended by Hilton managers.

Her Bali staff obviously likes her, as 35 of them showed up to throw her a party at the Hale Koa on June 26 and smothered her with a mountain of lei. One lei was sent with love from former Bali chef Adam Hightower in Michigan. Current chef Joseph Reinhart laid out a buffet for the Bali staff after the restaurant closed Saturday night so the employees could have one last supper with Alicia.

Longtime Bali server Kris Nago said, “So many people came in this past week, especially on Friday and Saturday, to show Alicia how much she is loved. She had flower arrangements and leis that were sent from friends on the mainland, former employees and guests, and from co-workers who dropped off cards and leis. Every night she looked like she was graduating.”

She described Alicia as “the most influential woman in my life.”

“She has helped me grow into the person that I am today, teaching me, encouraging, scolding, mentoring, as she has done with all of the numerous employees under her tutelage. Her quote that sticks with me the most is, ‘Just do the right thing even when no one is watching and it will become a good habit.’”

And what’s next for their princess? A trip to Canada to visit family is planned but mostly Alicia is looking forward to “sitting back, putting my feet up and enjoying life – and champagne.” …

MIHANA and Jeff Apaka, son of the late great singer Alfred Apaka, celebrated birthdays together on June 22 at Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai. She sang at his party before zooming home to Kailua to celebrate with her family. On June 23 four of Mihana’s dear girlfriends — Lynn “Skinny” Crawley, Drea Kia, Jackie Smythe and Emi Espinda — and this columnist, who has covered her and her family group Puamana for more than 40 years, took her to dinner at Morton’s. I must say, when you are having dinner with five wahine it is hard to get a word in. General Manager Zyron Schoniwitz, waiter Ed Hancock and other staffers took good care of us.

Cathy Foy was in the house and came over to congratulate Mihana. She was in the lounge with a group that included Charles Degala, Gordon Wong and Bill Maliglig, who were working on the celebration of life for outstanding musician Steve Jones, who died June 19. Steve’s ashes will be spread on Haleakala on Maui and the top of Tantalus on Oahu. The celebration of life will be held Saturday at Sea Life Park from 2 to 5 p.m. A large crowd is expected. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 523-7677, ext. 3 …

Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.