Gabriele Finn

Tell us a little about yourself.

Aloha, I’m Gabriele. I was 6 years old when my family moved to Hawaiʻi, growing up in Pearl City and later Kailua, where I graduated from Kalaheo. I went to UH Manoa for my undergraduate and graduate degrees.

What did you do for work before becoming a Tour Manager?

After retiring from a long career in public school education, I found a new way to do what I’ve always loved — guiding, supporting, and bringing people together — this time through travel.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of travel, I love being in the ocean. I’m an avid whale watcher and have volunteered with NOAA for over 25 years doing the annual Ocean Count. I also enjoy baking bread, swimming in the ocean and — of course — traveling in all its forms. I genuinely love everything about it, from packing and airports to flights and exploring new places. A previous hobby that I “retired” two years ago was completing marathons. I did 7 full marathons and about 9 half-marathons.

Where is your favorite place to travel? What is your favorite thing to do there?

My favorite destination is Japan. I’m drawn to its culture, incredible food, and the sense of safety that allows me to travel confidently — even on my own. I’ve visited several times and always find something new to love. I’m also deeply connected to a small Alpine village in Germany where my mother grew up. It’s a tiny farm community, and when I’m there, I feel close to her — surrounded by nostalgia, tradition, and a strong sense of home.

What do you like most about being a Tour Manager?

What I enjoy most about being a Tour Manager is helping people feel comfortable, confident, and cared for as they explore somewhere new. I love researching a place prior to visiting and then feeling the sense of awe when I am finally there. Watching a destination come alive for someone is incredibly rewarding for me.

Is there anything else you’d like our tour members to know about you?

I’ve been married to my husband for 43 years (retired HPD), and we have three children. A fun fact about me is that I’ve never lived more than ten minutes away from my parents — a reminder of how much family, roots, and connection matter to me. I look forward to sharing the world with you, always with care, curiosity, and aloha.