Long before becoming known for relationship advice, April built a career marked by unconventional achievements in entertainment and event production. Her early work demonstrated a consistent willingness to challenge assumptions, pursue outcomes considered unattainable — and succeed in delivering them.
Baywatch
The Iconic Hijacking of the World’s #1 TV Series from Australia for Hawaii
One the most notable examples occurred when while Prime Minister Howard of Australia was announcing Baywatch’s arrival to the Australian press, April, despite having no prior relationship with the show’s executive producer, Gregg Bonann, successfully convinced him to reconsider the planned move to Australia and bring Baywatch to Hawaii instead.
Gregg canceled his meeting with the Prime Minister and flew to meet Governor Ben Cayetano, and historic legislation quickly followed, co-written by April, requiring the show to rename itself Baywatch Hawaii, hire 80% local crew, and cast two Hawaii residents as lead characters — one of whom was a then-unknown Jason Mamoa.
The impact was transformative: more than 150 full-time jobs, roughly $20 million a year in local spending, and global exposure reaching an estimated 5.7 billion viewers.
Miss Universe
The Legend of April’s Army, Breaking Records and Making History
As co-chair of the Miss Universe Pageant in Hawaii, April Masini assembled and led ‘April’s Army’ — more than 500 volunteers of all ages, most with zero event experience.
Working entirely for free, day and night for three straight months, they produced nine back-to-back world-class events. The team broke two state records and made history, including staging the largest weekday parade in Hawai‘i’s history and the icon “Share Aloha with the World” children’s art contest that turned a beauty pageant into a learning experience and airport hallways into art galleries.
All 2,987 pieces of submitted artwork remain permanently displayed throughout Hawaii’s airports today, as mandated by Governor Ben Cayetano.
On it’s twenty-five anniversary, “Share Aloha with the World” proved to be one of the most enduring and longest-displayed showcases of children’s artwork in U.S. history.
‘April’s Army’ performance was so outstanding that it led President Donald Trump to spend three hours personally thanking each of them. Trump told each volunteer that they had exceeded every expectation and outperformed all of the paid professionals before them; “You are the standard. You are The Best”.
Blue Crush
A Gift of A Lifetime, Perpetual and in Perpetuity
April’s deal with Universal Studios for Blue Crush pioneered the first-ever cross-promotion between a U.S. state and a Hollywood studio — and what makes it all the more remarkable is that April was acting as a private citizen, not a government employee, when she negotiated and signed it.
The historic terms — including the never-before-done state–studio cross-promotion and the gift in perpetuity to Hawaii of Blue Crush film footage and all marketing collateral — are specified in her personal contract with Universal Studios. Hawaii received global marketing exposure alongside the film’s worldwide release, and those unprecedented rights were secured in perpetuity and royalty-free.
Legislation
Groundbreaking, Precedent Setting, and Pioneering
“April Masini almost single-handedly revived Hawaii’s television and film industry.”
“April's events have set the bar. This is the standard by which all others will be measured.”
“April Masini doesn’t dabble at anything. She changes the math.”
“April Masini proved a highly capable and extremely effective president.”
“April is the most naturally gifted marketing strategist I have ever encountered.”
“April is precedent-setting. She's a game-changer.”
“April Masini is the real deal. If she tells you she will do something, believe her. I can tell you from experience, without fail, April always delivers.”
“What I have witnessed over eight years is a person who brings a consistent level of excellence to all she does.”
“No and ‘can’t’ simply are not in April’s vocabulary.”
“April’s positive impact on Hawaii is unparalleled.”
- Baywatch
- Miss Universe
- Blue Crush
- Film Legislation
- Masini Enterprises