“I can do that.”

Those were my exact words almost five years ago after I bought a condo and put down roots in West Maui. Can’t hike every morning. Can’t hit the beach every afternoon. Can’t sit at home and nap into retirement.

Something to do was needed. An occupation. A challenge. Fulfillment. Indeed.com became my digital flagpole and I kept seeing available positions for a Pool Attendant. I can do that. How hard could it be? Aqualani Beach & Ocean Recreation took my call.

Timing is everything. Aqualani needed bodies and I got an interview at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach. Three miles from home. Yowza! I was immediately blown away by the Westin’s beauty and pools jackpot and cut to the chase. I want this job. Gimme a chance. When do I start?

Score one for the old guy. Hired. Then I met the other Pool Attendants. Comedy central. We’re talking kids – teenagers! Lots of spunk. Not a lot of dependability or attention to detail. Graybeard versus youth. Step aside, punks. 

The big question was whether could I handle four 10-hour shifts in a row? Four on and three off. That’s the Aqualani hook. Skepticism was on full alert.

Proved them all wrong. Started in early October and established early on that I could handle the monster shifts and duties required. Put some of those darn youngsters to shame because my old-school work ethic outshined their weak output. The AARP fella could bring it.

Then Covid-19 arrived and the Westin shut down. Took nine months to reunite with Aqualani and get re-assigned to the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa at Black Rock. Good move? Bad move? Wasn’t sure?

Stellar move. Boss Phil was outstanding and treated me royally. I asked for less hours but still brought ample thunder on the pool deck. Piece of cake. I jokingly became the CEO of Towel Management. Nobody else wanted the job so carpe diem.

Stellar results. Now been with Aqualani for more than three years. Earned my keep. Outlasted just about everyone on the roster. Kids have come and gone like penny stocks. Hemingway kinda penned my story – The Old Man and the Sea. Mine has a happy ending.

Pool Attendant Particulars:

Uniform – belted shorts, tennis shoes, polo shirt, and kukui nut necklace. First time I ever wore a name tag on the job.

Duties – open-and-close poolside umbrellas, rent out snorkel equipment move towel bins to and from pool deck, set up cabanas and casabellas and beach umbrellas, hand out fresh towels to guests only, remove wet towel from lounges as needed, clean up everything at the end of the shift. Easy gig. Energy and effort. Teenagers hate clean up time.

Shades of Glory – selling and learning about Maui Jim sunglasses. Try on one pair and the world becomes a technicolor canvas. Amazing colors. Truly stunning difference. We get a healthy discount on purchases. I own three pair.

Pool Position – “I don’t HAVE to do this job…….I GET to do this job!” If you saw my outdoor play station you’d understand.