Lanihau Properties Appoints Melissa Kuyper As Controller
September 12, 2025
KAILUA-KONA, HI (September 12, 2025) –– Lanihau Properties is excited to announce Melissa Kuyper as the firm’s Controller. She will oversee all day-to-day accounting responsibilities for the company including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, interfacing with external auditors and tax accountants. Kuyper is currently transitioning with long-time Vice President – Finance, Jacqueline Awa who retires at year-end.
Throughout her career Melissa Kuyper has excelled in operational and executive roles both on Hawaii Island and in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Melissa holds a B.S. in Accounting and Information Systems with a CPA certification. She has held positions with Coopers & Lybrand, managed financial planning for Cyanotech Corporation and most recently as Controller with Kuleana Spirits, Inc.
“Melissa has a breadth of experience and we look forward to her contributions to Lanihau Properties and Palani Ranch. She’s a perfect fit for us with a strong financial background and a familiarity with real estate and ranching on Hawaii Island. We are so fortunate to have Melissa as part of our team,” said Lanihau Properties President and CEO Riley Smith.
A long time Hawaii Island resident, Melissa resides in Waimea. She has four children, one who is living and working in Hilo with the others residing on the mainland. She is a member of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee.
Throughout her career Melissa Kuyper has excelled in operational and executive roles both on Hawaii Island and in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Melissa holds a B.S. in Accounting and Information Systems with a CPA certification. She has held positions with Coopers & Lybrand, managed financial planning for Cyanotech Corporation and most recently as Controller with Kuleana Spirits, Inc.
“Melissa has a breadth of experience and we look forward to her contributions to Lanihau Properties and Palani Ranch. She’s a perfect fit for us with a strong financial background and a familiarity with real estate and ranching on Hawaii Island. We are so fortunate to have Melissa as part of our team,” said Lanihau Properties President and CEO Riley Smith.
A long time Hawaii Island resident, Melissa resides in Waimea. She has four children, one who is living and working in Hilo with the others residing on the mainland. She is a member of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee.
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About Lanihau Properties
The Kona-based company was founded in 1850 by Henry Nicholas Greenwell. 175 years later, Lanihau focuses primarily on investing in commercial real estate in Hawaii and across the United States, as well as land development and ranching in West Hawaii.