The Ho'okipa Ambassador III (Character Performer) supports the guest experience, cultural integrity, and overall quality of Sea Life Park Hawai'i's live entertainment offerings. The Ho'okipa Ambassador III Is a dynamic entertainment professional responsible for delivering high-quality live performances and engaging guest experiences throughout Sea Life Park Hawai'i. The Ho'okipa Ambassador III performs as the Honu Ocean Ambassador and serves as a trained handler for the Honu Ocean Ambassador mascot and as a show greeter.
DUTIES, RESPONSIBIITIES, & EXPECTATIONS
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Character Performance & Guest Interactions:
Entertainment & Guest Engagement:
Perform in Honu Ocean Ambassador meet-and-greets, park walks, photo opportunities, and interactive guest experiences. Maintain Character integrity, physicality, and approved storytelling during guest interactions. Work collaboratively with character handlers and entertainment team members to ensure safe and effective character appearances. Participate in rehearsals, blocking, choreography, physical preparation, and ongoing performance development. Learn, retain, and execute choreography, staging, and performance material. Adapt performance style and delivery to accommodate audiences of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Serve as a trained handler for the Honu Ocean Ambassador during park walks, stage appearances, and meet-and greets. Welcome guests warmly and provide accurate information regarding entertainment schedules, timing, and park information. Engage guests through accurate, respectful, and compelling storytelling, adapting approved character and cultural content for audiences of different ages and backgrounds.
Line & Crowd Management:
Monitor wait times, safely pace lines, and use friendly, story-based verbal cues to close or redirect queues without causing guest friction.
Performer Advocacy:
Serve as the eyes, ears, and primary voice for character performers by monitoring guest interactions, environmental hazards, and performer distress signals. Communicated promptly and take appropriate action to pause, modify, or end a character appearance when safety or performer well-being may be compromised.
Photo Coordination:
Assist with guest positioning for photo opportunities and offer assistance with personal cameras or smart devices. Cultural, Conservation, & Mascot Integrity Maintain respect, humility, and accuracy regarding Hawaiian cultural traditions, hula, and storytelling. Adhere to Honu Ocean Ambassador character guidelines and always protect the 'magic' and brand integrity. Support conservation, education, marine life rescue, and environmental stewardship messaging through engaging, character-based interactions and approved storytelling. Collaborate with education and animal care teams to support accurate and approved storytelling regarding marine life and ocean conservation. Maintain a clean, professional, and culturally appropriate appearance for costumes, garments, props, and performance areas.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPECTATIONS
Audition Requirements:
This is a performance-based position. Candidates must successfully complete a vocal and performance audition as part of the selection process. The audition may include movement, improvisation and/or other performances elements relevant to the role.
Required:
Height requirement: Between 5'0" and 5'3" High school diploma or equivalent. Demonstrate physical strength and flexibility with the ability to execute light movement or choreography. Strong public speaking skills with the ability to confidently command crowds and host large events. Outstanding interpersonal skills with an easy-going demeanor suited for high-density guest interactions. Ability to improvise naturally and remain professional during unscripted guest interactions. Ability to work outdoors in direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and variable weather conditions. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and varying schedules based on park and entertainment operations.
Preferred:
Experience performing in them parks, cruise ships, visitor attractions, lu'au, resorts, or live entertainment. Knowledge of or formal training in hula, and regional storytelling. Experience within Hawai'i tourism, hospitality, or cultural entertainment industry. Experience in mascot handling, character performance escorting, or crowd management. Familiarity with Native Hawaiian values. Experience in cultural interpretation, museum or visitor education, guided tours, classroom instruction, public history, or similar educational programming. Knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, traditions, place-based storytelling, and/or natural history, with the ability to incorporate relevant information accurately and respectfully into guest interactions.
WORK ENVIORMENT
The position requires regular on-site presence, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak park operational seasons. The role involves frequent outdoor work in variable weather conditions, including direct sunlight, high heat, and humidity. Performance duties require physical stamina for carrying and/or wearing mascot costumes, extended standing and walking, vocal projection in outdoor environments, and managing guest crowds during mascot offerings. This role is perfect for passionate performers eager to create magical moments while developing their craft in a lively entertainment setting!
Pay:
$17.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 2.0 - 30.0 per week
