Afternoons – 12pm-7pm Mon-Fri
Phil Best (aka Phil Worwa / aka Santa Phil), Kauai’s FM97 afternoons, new on-air personality with the Pacific Media Group, Kauaʻi. Phil Best has been a major contributor to the Kauaʻi community since arriving in 2006 as the Costco Kauaʻi Marketing Manager and now as an integral member of Kauai’s FM97 ʻohana.
Formerly a San Diego resident and Mighty 690 Sports Radio Personality, Best graduated from San Diego State University and interned with Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton at 690. He was recruited by Clear Channel-Mighty 1090 for the “Coach John Kentera High School Scoreboard Show, Friday Nights,” as a game reporter and sports figure interviewer.
Prior to arriving on Kauaʻi, Best was instrumental in creating and expanding the promotional demonstration samplings of food and sundries products for Price Club/Costco Wholesale Club Demonstration Services. He was a warehouse club product developer and designer.
Also known as Santa Phil and Santa in Paradise, Best has represented the “Jolly One” for more than 35 years, bringing happiness and holiday hope to keiki, locals, and visitors. An all-year Santa, Best claims Kauaʻi is the last Christmas delivery location, and he enjoys his well-earned vacation on the Garden Isle. Santa in Paradise visits resorts, local schools and hospitals, county events, shopping centers, holiday parades, and tree lightings.
He is a Hawaiʻi Licensed Wedding Performer, as Santa in Paradise or a warm and entertaining traditional officiant.
His work on Saturday mornings, Santa in Paradise children’s radio, Hanapēpē Friday Holiday Art Nights, and Storybook Theatre generated a big ʻohana following.
Best created and developed Kauaʻi Disc Golf, Garden Island Disc Golf, and the first courses on the island. His focus was bringing an all-level, affordable, and family outdoors sport to Kaua’i and creating a major destination for professionals as well as amateurs. Some big firsts: first DG course on a major golf course-cart only and first to receive a park redevelopment grant from the county of Kauaʻi for the Weliweli Tract. Best built the current westernmost DG course in the United States at Kukuiolono. Kauaʻi Disc Golf is blossoming and earning kudos from the international DG community.
“Tell the Island you’re listening to Phil Best, Kauai’s FM97, on 96.9FM. Best Music, Best Island. Make it the Best Day Ever!”