Destination Guide | Hawaii
HAWAIIAN PUNCH
By Dawna L. Robertson
For a tropical mix of business and pleasure, Hawaii’s a knock-out
Take an exotic destination and blend in a medley of cultures, rich history and colorful traditions. Add assorted accommodations, fresh venues, flexible meeting facilities and diverse recreation. Then sprinkle it with the secret ingredient of aloha.
From board shorts to boardrooms, the Hawaiian Islands continue to wow meeting planners with a winning recipe. “As much as anything, these past few years have amplified Hawaii’s value as a meetings destination,” says Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, vice president of sales and marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Hawaii’s power of aloha is a magnet for building attendance, which seems natural since the state ranks among the top three leisure travel destinations in the country. Murray notes that, in some cases, Hawaii MCI attendance doubled or even tripled group averages at other destinations.
Kent Kawaguchi, director of travel and meetings management for Safeco Insurance Companies in Seattle, admits that Safeco actually dangles the Islands as a carrot because of the high incentive value. “We just completed our ‘Conference of Champions’ at Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island,” he says. “We have such strong interest in Hawaii incentives that we’ve already committed our ‘Top 100 Program’ to Four Seasons on Lanai and Grand Wailea on Maui for the next few years.”
Planners like Kawaguchi find great appeal in how Hawaii literally serves up something for every taste. While six distinctive islands share a similar flavor, each presents its own signature experiences, so pre- and post-meeting opportunities are seemingly endless.
Diversity rules here. Some 71,000 rooms statewide range from five-star resorts to economy business lodges. “Our meetings infrastructure is ideal for hosting groups of all sizes, whether it’s 25 senior executives for a conference or 30,000 attendees for an annual convention,” Murray adds.
More than anything, Hawaii’s melting pot complexion has fostered an exotic tapestry of multicultural experiences found nowhere else. Island recreation is just as diverse. From land, sea and air, visitors jump into an array of thrilling activities. The varied topography invites adventure lovers to explore and enjoy. And those seeking more mellow pursuits will relish island-style dining, shopping, festivals and museums.
“Beyond weather, access, infrastructure, interisland connections and accommodations, there’s the warmth of aloha spirit that can’t be duplicated anywhere else,” Murray says. “People take a bit of that spirit home with them. That’s what sets Hawaii apart.”
OAHU
Eclectic and energized, Oahu draws more meetings than any other Hawaiian Island. Home to dynamic Waikiki, plentiful surf beaches and rural roads lined with produce stands, this versatile “Heart of Hawaii” has achieved that fine balance between leisure mecca and business hub.
The state’s paramount facility, Hawaii Convention Center presents high-tech with a uniquely Hawaiian flair. Boldly designed, HCC features a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 49 meeting rooms including two theaters comprising 107,000 sq. ft., a 35,000-square-foot lobby and a 36,000-square-foot ballroom with a 2.5-acre landscaped rooftop terrace. Of the island’s 35,000 rooms, some 31,000 are nearby in Waikiki.
Naturally, this easy-does-it destination wants to make meeting planning as easy as ordering a mai tai at a luau. So it’s not surprising that HCC and HVCB have jointly launched BusinessAloha.com, an online booking resource for meeting planners.
HCC has also created “The Hawaii Advantage” collateral kit. With its big picture approach, the kit covers facilities, cost effectiveness, settings and service. A downloadable version is available on the HCC website.
A TASTE OF IT ALL
With a “has it all” posture, Oahu presents a bit of each Hawaiian Island in a single serving. On one hand, it’s a cosmopolitan gathering place filled with vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge cuisine and upscale accommodations. On the other, it’s a nostalgic retreat with lush rainforests, secluded beaches and breath-taking scenery.
The big buzz on Oahu these days is the renaissance of Waikiki. Hotels are refurbished, retail greets with familiar names, and dining rivals that of any major metropolis. What was worn and tired has been refreshed, with a focus on open-air, pedestrian-friendly areas blending Waikiki’s storied past with modern experiences and amenities.
Perhaps nothing represents this better than Outrigger Enterprises Group’s shining $535-million Waikiki Beach Walk. This new 7.9-acre entertainment district is home to the 421-suite Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, the Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Waikiki Beach Walk, the Wyland Waikiki, the $100-million renovated oceanfront Outrigger Reef on the Beach, the OHANA Islander Waikiki and the planned Trump International Hotel & Tower-Waikiki Beach Walk.
An open-air plaza is surrounded by a collection of shops and boutiques, as well as popular eateries like Roy’s Waikiki, Yard House and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Entertainment is showcased nightly, with cultural activities available free of charge at Mana Hawaii.
UNIQUE VENUES
Amid an $84-million facelift and tenant revamp, the 310,000-square-foot Royal Hawaii Shopping Center has unveiled its own roster of compelling retail and dining concepts. Shedding its concrete cocoon to reveal a dynamic architectural transformation, the center will debut its 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove this December. One of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki, the event-friendly area will serve as a centerpiece for entertainment and cultural activities.
On a living reef, the Waikiki Aquarium is ideal for group tours, cocktail receptions and sit-down dinners. Its 4,000-square-foot lawn accommodates up to 500 for receptions and 350 for dinners.
Another ocean-themed attraction, Sea Life Park presents 900-capacity luaus and the spacious 600-person Hawaii Ocean Theater. Dolphin performances can be arranged after hours for evening gatherings.
On Oahu’s western coast, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park makes its outdoor facility available for evening concerts and parties. It also offers a daytime picnic/team-building option with a passport to park activities.
From cowboys to catamarans, 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch literally runs the range with sites for team building, theme parties and concerts for up to 10,000. Exclusive use of its Secret Island Beach is available for volleyball and ocean sports with catered barbecue meals.
Situated on historic Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri Memorial hosts up to 850 for standing evening affairs on its fantail. The adjacent pier handles up to 1,800 for larger ceremonial events or up to 1,000 for seated functions.
Built in 1892 to display the treasures of the Kamehameha dynasty, 12-acre Bishop Museum features a 70-capacity Planetarium and expansive Great Lawn for up to 1,500.
Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center, located about an hour's drive from Waikiki, has seven native villages representing South Pacific cultures. The center, which begins an expansion this year, is available for groups of up to 2,700 (a buyout is possible). You can also hold a private luau for 250, open your meeting with a chant or attend the world’s largest Polynesian night show.
MAUI
Perhaps no other word evokes quite the concept of paradise as Maui. This rare escape delivers everything it promises at every level. In fact, there’s a saying–“Maui No Ka Oi”; it means “Maui is the best.” And when it comes to corporate gatherings, planners agree.
“The Magic Isle” provides four major resort areas—Wailea, Makena, Kaanapali and Kapalua. More than 18,000 rooms are available at a range of properties that can host standing receptions for up to 3,200.
What’s so appealing about Maui is it’s neither too large nor too small, making it very manageable from a MCI standpoint. The island reflects the contrast of remote wilderness with upscale resorts, celebrating its rich past with a progressive present. It’s all about island ease and options—from rubber slippers in the sand to gala ballroom glitz. Here, planners can let their imaginations run wild.
“Sometimes the best venue comes when it’s not actually planned,” notes Philip Richardson of Current Affairs (current-affairs.net), an Oahu-based event-planning company. Such was the case when Current Affairs created a Woodstock-themed evening at the Sheraton Maui.
“We had to improvise when weather threatened our outdoor event,” Richardson recounts. “Thanks to Sheraton’s great staff, we regrouped and linked a couple of meeting rooms by using a service corridor to avoid common areas—something they’d never done before.”
With some quick thinking and additional resources, the group of 250 still enjoyed entertainment slated for the evening in settings similar to those planned for outside. “It just seems that in Hawaii, everyone will go the extra mile to make everything work,” he says. “And that helps properties, DMCs and event planners become heroes.”
UNIQUE VENUES
In a league of its own, Ulalena is a multifaceted theatrical journey weaving the powerful images of Hawaiian mythology and history with a modern twist. Every seat in the 670-capacity theater maintains a sense of intimacy and interaction with the cast. Exclusive performances can include a catered reception with open bar and transportation to the theater. Ulalena also offers its most popular scenes for corporate events at select hotels.
Upcountry at Alii Kula Lavender Farm, groups can chat with the genial owners and growers while strolling along garden trails bursting with tropical flowers, herbs and 45 different kinds of lavender. Other ag-tours welcoming groups are at Surfing Goat Dairy and Tedeschi Winery.
Home of Maui’s exclusive pineapple wine, Tedeschi is located 2,000 feet above sea level within sprawling Ulupalakua Ranch. Private tours and tastings are offered for 20 to 75 persons in the King Kalakaua Cottage, built in 1874 for visiting monarchs.
The $32-million Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a multipurpose visual and performing arts complex with 300- and 1,200-capacity theaters, and a 5,000-capacity festival-style amphitheater. The Grand Lawn is ideal for concerts and under-the-stars events.
MOLOKAI
“Hawaiian by nature,” Molokai is located 10 miles across the Auau Channel from Lahaina. Birthplace of the hula, this island can handle small to mid-size groups, with some 300 hotel rooms. Among them is Molokai Ranch, a low-key, 22-room lodge designed in Hawaiian plantation style.
Diversions on Molokai include mountain biking, hiking, sport fishing, mule and horseback riding and snorkeling (there's 32 miles of barrier reef). It boasts one of the state's longest white-sand beaches, Papohaku. You can golf at the 18-hole, championship Ted Robinson-designed Kaluakoi Golf Course, which was recently refurbished.
LANAI
Known for its seclusion and raw beauty, Lanai is ideal for exclusive small to moderate-size gatherings. Once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation, “Hawaii’s Most Exclusive Island” offers approximately 340 rooms in two luxurious resorts with a pines-to-palms contrast.
The 102-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele is fresh from a $50-million renovation that retained its English country lodge charm. New amenities include LCD-screen televisions, Internet access and fitness and wellness centers. Versatile function rooms and outdoor venues are set amid manicured lawns and gardens. The Lodge is home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman and Ted Robinson.
Stretching along the coast above a protected marine preserve, the 236-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay reopened with refreshed guest rooms, new fitness center, remodeled restaurant and spa enhancements. The resort features a conference center with three ballrooms, pre-function area and three meeting rooms, plus the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele golf course.
KAUAI
Blanketed in brilliant shades of green, Kauai lures with empty beaches, lush mountains, cascading waterfalls and verdant grottos. The “most mature” of the Hawaiian chain, this matriarch bedazzles with beauty so breathtaking that Hollywood covets it for one blockbuster after another.
So it just makes sense that the island is also a natural for corporate gatherings, with staffs creating anything imaginable—all with that signature Hawaiian flair.
“Kauai’s lush tropical setting is a magnificent backdrop for groups, whether it be incentive, association, corporate or medical,” notes Edie Hafdahl, director of sales and marketing for the Kauai Visitors Bureau.
While praising the many resort and hotel resources for the MCI market, Hafdahl also points to the uniqueness of off-site venues. “So many take you back to the past with their old Hawaiian charm,” she says.
Hafdahl notes the Kilohana Plantation Railway as a case in point. Kauai’s newest celebration of its history, the railway shares the island’s diverse agricultural roots aboard an authentic narrow-gauge train custom-built in the Philippines. The three-mile journey chugs through 68 thriving acres of land leased today by more than a dozen local farmers raising taro, exotic fruits, tropical flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts and livestock.
With a collection of smaller accommodations as well as more traditional MCI properties, Kauai is extremely flexible for buyouts. “Off-the-beaten-path experiences like Waimea Plantation Cottages make the island especially appealing to smaller groups these days,” says Sue Kanoho, executive director of the KVB.
ResortQuest Hawaii’s Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue management, also notes this flexibility with the new ResortQuest Kauai Beach At Makaiwa. The condominium-style property is a solid fit for smaller groups with 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, business center, luau, day spa, fitness center and high-speed Internet access.
“We’re seeing more and more small VIP meetings at condo properties on all islands because they’re so spacious and offer full kitchens,” Chang says. “We also do a lot of pre- and post-bookings since so many want an option to a hotel stay.”
UNIQUE VENUES
Princeville Ranch offers a selection of ideal team-building activities. The Jungle Valley Waterfall Adventure covers a Pinzgauer ride to a private tropical valley for kayaking, nature hiking and ziplining through a gorgeous, untouched rainforest.
Off the quiet, plush greens and fairways of Princeville Resort’s Prince Course, the 60,000-square-foot Princeville Golf Club features full banquet facilities, a restaurant for up to 150 and a pair of meeting rooms handling up to 260.
For garden settings, Kilauea’s 240-acre Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is ideal for events up to 200. Settings include garden areas and a lovely private home. Also in nature’s arena, the National Tropical Botanical Garden accommodates up to 150.
Numerous operators make a splash with customized ocean outings departing Port Allen Harbor. Among them are Blue Dolphin, Catamaran Kanahu, Kauai Sea Tours and Holoholo Charters.
THE BIG ISLAND
Rejuvenation and renewal are constant themes on Hawaii’s Big Island, as Kilauea Volcano’s near nonstop eruption creates new land out of molten lava almost daily.
The same holds true for MCI offerings, with 10,000 hotel rooms and 700,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor function space constantly being upgraded, refreshed and revitalized. New shopping, dining, attractions and event venues further thrust this distinctive destination into the forefront with planners seeking a site where nothing is ordinary.
“Everyone always asks what’s next, and the Big Island is what’s next,” says Revell Newton, director of sales and marketing for the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. “The island is seeing steady growth, and our property’s meetings business is following suit.”
Recently hosting events for Starbucks and Agency Marketing Group, Newton notes how Sheraton Keauhou serves large groups with a total buyout of its 521 rooms. But its design prevents smaller groups from getting lost. “Our staff is all about extra effort,” he says. “We really help groups mold, fold and shape their Big Island experience any way they like.”
Safeco’s Kawaguchi recognizes that same extra effort in other Big Island sites as well. “We held a meeting for 300 at Four Seasons Hualalai in May,” he says. “It’s hard to pinpoint a highlight because everything was so great. It’s nice to go to a destination where you have such confidence in the level of service and the staff. We always see this in Hawaii.”
UNIQUE VENUES
As Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort breaks ground on approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of new retail space, final touches are in the works at the center’s 28-acre Queens’ MarketPlace and Cultural Gardens. Its Waikoloa Cultural Gardens will feature an outdoor ampitheater for concerts and large group events.
At the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, the Keauhou Convention Center accommodates up to 1,200 for receptions within 36,000 sq. ft. of flexible facilities. Roomy outdoor venues handle groups from 200 to 1,800.
Fair Wind’s upscale Hula Kai operates customized private charters for 42+ passengers. Its unique Hydrofoil Technology allows the speedy catamaran to explore more of hidden Hawaii; treks include snorkeling, scuba diving and gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner.
The hub of Pacific Rim conferencing, The Conference Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo provides meeting facilities for up to 600, with reception capabilities for 1,000 attendees. It also serves as a laboratory for testing and implementing programs geared to the academic, professional, high-tech and human resource communities.
Sprawling across 175,000 acres of the Big Island’s Kohala Mountains, Parker Ranch presents two main function sites for convention groups. The 7,000-square-foot Historic Home Puuopelu accommodates 130 for cocktails or 100 for dinner, while an additional pond area handles 300 for dinners. A 1,200-capacity arena is geared to large parties and team-building activities.
NEWS
From board shorts to boardrooms, the Hawaiian Islands continue to wow meeting planners with a winning recipe. “As much as anything, these past few years have amplified Hawaii’s value as a meetings destination,” says Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, vice president of sales and marketing for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Hawaii’s power of aloha is a magnet for building attendance, which seems natural since the state ranks among the top three leisure travel destinations in the country. Murray notes that, in some cases, Hawaii MCI attendance doubled or even tripled group averages at other destinations.
Kent Kawaguchi, director of travel and meetings management for Safeco Insurance Companies in Seattle, admits that Safeco actually dangles the Islands as a carrot because of the high incentive value. “We just completed our ‘Conference of Champions’ at Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island,” he says. “We have such strong interest in Hawaii incentives that we’ve already committed our ‘Top 100 Program’ to Four Seasons on Lanai and Grand Wailea on Maui for the next few years.”
Planners like Kawaguchi find great appeal in how Hawaii literally serves up something for every taste. While six distinctive islands share a similar flavor, each presents its own signature experiences, so pre- and post-meeting opportunities are seemingly endless.
Diversity rules here. Some 71,000 rooms statewide range from five-star resorts to economy business lodges. “Our meetings infrastructure is ideal for hosting groups of all sizes, whether it’s 25 senior executives for a conference or 30,000 attendees for an annual convention,” Murray adds.
More than anything, Hawaii’s melting pot complexion has fostered an exotic tapestry of multicultural experiences found nowhere else. Island recreation is just as diverse. From land, sea and air, visitors jump into an array of thrilling activities. The varied topography invites adventure lovers to explore and enjoy. And those seeking more mellow pursuits will relish island-style dining, shopping, festivals and museums.
“Beyond weather, access, infrastructure, interisland connections and accommodations, there’s the warmth of aloha spirit that can’t be duplicated anywhere else,” Murray says. “People take a bit of that spirit home with them. That’s what sets Hawaii apart.”
OAHU
Eclectic and energized, Oahu draws more meetings than any other Hawaiian Island. Home to dynamic Waikiki, plentiful surf beaches and rural roads lined with produce stands, this versatile “Heart of Hawaii” has achieved that fine balance between leisure mecca and business hub.
The state’s paramount facility, Hawaii Convention Center presents high-tech with a uniquely Hawaiian flair. Boldly designed, HCC features a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 49 meeting rooms including two theaters comprising 107,000 sq. ft., a 35,000-square-foot lobby and a 36,000-square-foot ballroom with a 2.5-acre landscaped rooftop terrace. Of the island’s 35,000 rooms, some 31,000 are nearby in Waikiki.
Naturally, this easy-does-it destination wants to make meeting planning as easy as ordering a mai tai at a luau. So it’s not surprising that HCC and HVCB have jointly launched BusinessAloha.com, an online booking resource for meeting planners.
HCC has also created “The Hawaii Advantage” collateral kit. With its big picture approach, the kit covers facilities, cost effectiveness, settings and service. A downloadable version is available on the HCC website.
A TASTE OF IT ALL
With a “has it all” posture, Oahu presents a bit of each Hawaiian Island in a single serving. On one hand, it’s a cosmopolitan gathering place filled with vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge cuisine and upscale accommodations. On the other, it’s a nostalgic retreat with lush rainforests, secluded beaches and breath-taking scenery.
The big buzz on Oahu these days is the renaissance of Waikiki. Hotels are refurbished, retail greets with familiar names, and dining rivals that of any major metropolis. What was worn and tired has been refreshed, with a focus on open-air, pedestrian-friendly areas blending Waikiki’s storied past with modern experiences and amenities.
Perhaps nothing represents this better than Outrigger Enterprises Group’s shining $535-million Waikiki Beach Walk. This new 7.9-acre entertainment district is home to the 421-suite Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk, the Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Waikiki Beach Walk, the Wyland Waikiki, the $100-million renovated oceanfront Outrigger Reef on the Beach, the OHANA Islander Waikiki and the planned Trump International Hotel & Tower-Waikiki Beach Walk.
An open-air plaza is surrounded by a collection of shops and boutiques, as well as popular eateries like Roy’s Waikiki, Yard House and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Entertainment is showcased nightly, with cultural activities available free of charge at Mana Hawaii.
UNIQUE VENUES
Amid an $84-million facelift and tenant revamp, the 310,000-square-foot Royal Hawaii Shopping Center has unveiled its own roster of compelling retail and dining concepts. Shedding its concrete cocoon to reveal a dynamic architectural transformation, the center will debut its 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove this December. One of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki, the event-friendly area will serve as a centerpiece for entertainment and cultural activities.
On a living reef, the Waikiki Aquarium is ideal for group tours, cocktail receptions and sit-down dinners. Its 4,000-square-foot lawn accommodates up to 500 for receptions and 350 for dinners.
Another ocean-themed attraction, Sea Life Park presents 900-capacity luaus and the spacious 600-person Hawaii Ocean Theater. Dolphin performances can be arranged after hours for evening gatherings.
On Oahu’s western coast, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park makes its outdoor facility available for evening concerts and parties. It also offers a daytime picnic/team-building option with a passport to park activities.
From cowboys to catamarans, 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch literally runs the range with sites for team building, theme parties and concerts for up to 10,000. Exclusive use of its Secret Island Beach is available for volleyball and ocean sports with catered barbecue meals.
Situated on historic Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor, the Battleship Missouri Memorial hosts up to 850 for standing evening affairs on its fantail. The adjacent pier handles up to 1,800 for larger ceremonial events or up to 1,000 for seated functions.
Built in 1892 to display the treasures of the Kamehameha dynasty, 12-acre Bishop Museum features a 70-capacity Planetarium and expansive Great Lawn for up to 1,500.
Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center, located about an hour's drive from Waikiki, has seven native villages representing South Pacific cultures. The center, which begins an expansion this year, is available for groups of up to 2,700 (a buyout is possible). You can also hold a private luau for 250, open your meeting with a chant or attend the world’s largest Polynesian night show.
MAUI
Perhaps no other word evokes quite the concept of paradise as Maui. This rare escape delivers everything it promises at every level. In fact, there’s a saying–“Maui No Ka Oi”; it means “Maui is the best.” And when it comes to corporate gatherings, planners agree.
“The Magic Isle” provides four major resort areas—Wailea, Makena, Kaanapali and Kapalua. More than 18,000 rooms are available at a range of properties that can host standing receptions for up to 3,200.
What’s so appealing about Maui is it’s neither too large nor too small, making it very manageable from a MCI standpoint. The island reflects the contrast of remote wilderness with upscale resorts, celebrating its rich past with a progressive present. It’s all about island ease and options—from rubber slippers in the sand to gala ballroom glitz. Here, planners can let their imaginations run wild.
“Sometimes the best venue comes when it’s not actually planned,” notes Philip Richardson of Current Affairs (current-affairs.net), an Oahu-based event-planning company. Such was the case when Current Affairs created a Woodstock-themed evening at the Sheraton Maui.
“We had to improvise when weather threatened our outdoor event,” Richardson recounts. “Thanks to Sheraton’s great staff, we regrouped and linked a couple of meeting rooms by using a service corridor to avoid common areas—something they’d never done before.”
With some quick thinking and additional resources, the group of 250 still enjoyed entertainment slated for the evening in settings similar to those planned for outside. “It just seems that in Hawaii, everyone will go the extra mile to make everything work,” he says. “And that helps properties, DMCs and event planners become heroes.”
UNIQUE VENUES
In a league of its own, Ulalena is a multifaceted theatrical journey weaving the powerful images of Hawaiian mythology and history with a modern twist. Every seat in the 670-capacity theater maintains a sense of intimacy and interaction with the cast. Exclusive performances can include a catered reception with open bar and transportation to the theater. Ulalena also offers its most popular scenes for corporate events at select hotels.
Upcountry at Alii Kula Lavender Farm, groups can chat with the genial owners and growers while strolling along garden trails bursting with tropical flowers, herbs and 45 different kinds of lavender. Other ag-tours welcoming groups are at Surfing Goat Dairy and Tedeschi Winery.
Home of Maui’s exclusive pineapple wine, Tedeschi is located 2,000 feet above sea level within sprawling Ulupalakua Ranch. Private tours and tastings are offered for 20 to 75 persons in the King Kalakaua Cottage, built in 1874 for visiting monarchs.
The $32-million Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a multipurpose visual and performing arts complex with 300- and 1,200-capacity theaters, and a 5,000-capacity festival-style amphitheater. The Grand Lawn is ideal for concerts and under-the-stars events.
MOLOKAI
“Hawaiian by nature,” Molokai is located 10 miles across the Auau Channel from Lahaina. Birthplace of the hula, this island can handle small to mid-size groups, with some 300 hotel rooms. Among them is Molokai Ranch, a low-key, 22-room lodge designed in Hawaiian plantation style.
Diversions on Molokai include mountain biking, hiking, sport fishing, mule and horseback riding and snorkeling (there's 32 miles of barrier reef). It boasts one of the state's longest white-sand beaches, Papohaku. You can golf at the 18-hole, championship Ted Robinson-designed Kaluakoi Golf Course, which was recently refurbished.
LANAI
Known for its seclusion and raw beauty, Lanai is ideal for exclusive small to moderate-size gatherings. Once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation, “Hawaii’s Most Exclusive Island” offers approximately 340 rooms in two luxurious resorts with a pines-to-palms contrast.
The 102-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele is fresh from a $50-million renovation that retained its English country lodge charm. New amenities include LCD-screen televisions, Internet access and fitness and wellness centers. Versatile function rooms and outdoor venues are set amid manicured lawns and gardens. The Lodge is home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman and Ted Robinson.
Stretching along the coast above a protected marine preserve, the 236-room Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay reopened with refreshed guest rooms, new fitness center, remodeled restaurant and spa enhancements. The resort features a conference center with three ballrooms, pre-function area and three meeting rooms, plus the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele golf course.
KAUAI
Blanketed in brilliant shades of green, Kauai lures with empty beaches, lush mountains, cascading waterfalls and verdant grottos. The “most mature” of the Hawaiian chain, this matriarch bedazzles with beauty so breathtaking that Hollywood covets it for one blockbuster after another.
So it just makes sense that the island is also a natural for corporate gatherings, with staffs creating anything imaginable—all with that signature Hawaiian flair.
“Kauai’s lush tropical setting is a magnificent backdrop for groups, whether it be incentive, association, corporate or medical,” notes Edie Hafdahl, director of sales and marketing for the Kauai Visitors Bureau.
While praising the many resort and hotel resources for the MCI market, Hafdahl also points to the uniqueness of off-site venues. “So many take you back to the past with their old Hawaiian charm,” she says.
Hafdahl notes the Kilohana Plantation Railway as a case in point. Kauai’s newest celebration of its history, the railway shares the island’s diverse agricultural roots aboard an authentic narrow-gauge train custom-built in the Philippines. The three-mile journey chugs through 68 thriving acres of land leased today by more than a dozen local farmers raising taro, exotic fruits, tropical flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts and livestock.
With a collection of smaller accommodations as well as more traditional MCI properties, Kauai is extremely flexible for buyouts. “Off-the-beaten-path experiences like Waimea Plantation Cottages make the island especially appealing to smaller groups these days,” says Sue Kanoho, executive director of the KVB.
ResortQuest Hawaii’s Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue management, also notes this flexibility with the new ResortQuest Kauai Beach At Makaiwa. The condominium-style property is a solid fit for smaller groups with 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, business center, luau, day spa, fitness center and high-speed Internet access.
“We’re seeing more and more small VIP meetings at condo properties on all islands because they’re so spacious and offer full kitchens,” Chang says. “We also do a lot of pre- and post-bookings since so many want an option to a hotel stay.”
UNIQUE VENUES
Princeville Ranch offers a selection of ideal team-building activities. The Jungle Valley Waterfall Adventure covers a Pinzgauer ride to a private tropical valley for kayaking, nature hiking and ziplining through a gorgeous, untouched rainforest.
Off the quiet, plush greens and fairways of Princeville Resort’s Prince Course, the 60,000-square-foot Princeville Golf Club features full banquet facilities, a restaurant for up to 150 and a pair of meeting rooms handling up to 260.
For garden settings, Kilauea’s 240-acre Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is ideal for events up to 200. Settings include garden areas and a lovely private home. Also in nature’s arena, the National Tropical Botanical Garden accommodates up to 150.
Numerous operators make a splash with customized ocean outings departing Port Allen Harbor. Among them are Blue Dolphin, Catamaran Kanahu, Kauai Sea Tours and Holoholo Charters.
THE BIG ISLAND
Rejuvenation and renewal are constant themes on Hawaii’s Big Island, as Kilauea Volcano’s near nonstop eruption creates new land out of molten lava almost daily.
The same holds true for MCI offerings, with 10,000 hotel rooms and 700,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor function space constantly being upgraded, refreshed and revitalized. New shopping, dining, attractions and event venues further thrust this distinctive destination into the forefront with planners seeking a site where nothing is ordinary.
“Everyone always asks what’s next, and the Big Island is what’s next,” says Revell Newton, director of sales and marketing for the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. “The island is seeing steady growth, and our property’s meetings business is following suit.”
Recently hosting events for Starbucks and Agency Marketing Group, Newton notes how Sheraton Keauhou serves large groups with a total buyout of its 521 rooms. But its design prevents smaller groups from getting lost. “Our staff is all about extra effort,” he says. “We really help groups mold, fold and shape their Big Island experience any way they like.”
Safeco’s Kawaguchi recognizes that same extra effort in other Big Island sites as well. “We held a meeting for 300 at Four Seasons Hualalai in May,” he says. “It’s hard to pinpoint a highlight because everything was so great. It’s nice to go to a destination where you have such confidence in the level of service and the staff. We always see this in Hawaii.”
UNIQUE VENUES
As Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort breaks ground on approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of new retail space, final touches are in the works at the center’s 28-acre Queens’ MarketPlace and Cultural Gardens. Its Waikoloa Cultural Gardens will feature an outdoor ampitheater for concerts and large group events.
At the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, the Keauhou Convention Center accommodates up to 1,200 for receptions within 36,000 sq. ft. of flexible facilities. Roomy outdoor venues handle groups from 200 to 1,800.
Fair Wind’s upscale Hula Kai operates customized private charters for 42+ passengers. Its unique Hydrofoil Technology allows the speedy catamaran to explore more of hidden Hawaii; treks include snorkeling, scuba diving and gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner.
The hub of Pacific Rim conferencing, The Conference Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo provides meeting facilities for up to 600, with reception capabilities for 1,000 attendees. It also serves as a laboratory for testing and implementing programs geared to the academic, professional, high-tech and human resource communities.
Sprawling across 175,000 acres of the Big Island’s Kohala Mountains, Parker Ranch presents two main function sites for convention groups. The 7,000-square-foot Historic Home Puuopelu accommodates 130 for cocktails or 100 for dinner, while an additional pond area handles 300 for dinners. A 1,200-capacity arena is geared to large parties and team-building activities.
NEWS
- OAHU
The rebranding of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort is part of a $750-million Waikiki investment by Kyoya Management Co., Ltd. Other components include upgrades at The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki, and the demolition of two lower towers at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. A taller tower and shorter retail buildings will be constructed in their place.
ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel has completed a $16-million renovation that added the new 500-square-foot Lokahi Meeting Room for up to 60. The 2,300-square-foot Coconut Club accommodates up to 125.
Hawaii’s Plantation Village has launched Hawaii’s Historical Tours, a weekly sightseeing excursion that visits historic Honolulu landmarks and the Hawaiian Railway Society in Ewa, plus holds a finale luau at Paradise Cove.
- MAUI
The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has embarked on a $110-million transformation to its 446 guest rooms and suites, amenities, restaurants and spa. The property will reopen upon completion in December 2007.
In Kaanapali, Royal Lahaina Resort has capped a $30-million refurbishment to accommodations and public corridors in its Lahaina Kai Tower. Technology and entertainment components include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, Sharper Image sound systems with iPod port, cordless phones and wireless Internet service.
On Maui’s south shore, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has completed a $60-million renovation to its lobby, 564 guest rooms, and the 10,000-square-foot Mandara Spa and Fitness Center. The highly anticipated Serenity Pool with over-the-water cabanas is slated for completion late this year.
The 780-room Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa has joined The Waldorf-Astoria Collection. The property is geared to groups with its 28,000-square-foot Haleakala Ballroom, the largest facility of its kind on Maui. - KAUAI
Beginning March 2008, Princeville Resort will undergo a complete renovation to rebrand as the St. Regis Resort, Princeville by January 2009.
The recently renovated 311-unit ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa brings groups condominium comforts with resort amenities. Situated oceanfront on the Coconut Coast, the property includes expansive grounds for private outdoor events, as well as nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
The Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort officially became the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort upon completion of an $18-million rebranding project. It now features 350 plush condominium hotel units, ample recreation amenities and complete meeting facilities.
ANARA Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has completed phase one of its 20,000-square-foot expansion, making it the largest spa facility on Kauai and the second largest in Hawaii. Another 25,000 sq. ft. will be added late this year. Also, in Poipu, the Sheraton Kauai Resort has finalized a $24-million upgrade to its 412 rooms, public areas and restaurants. - BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii in Mauna Lani Resort is investing $15 million in an ongoing renovation of its 540 guest rooms. Public areas have been refreshed with new paint, chandeliers, wall coverings and furniture.
The 17-acre oceanfront Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has finalized a $50-million upgrade to its ballrooms, meeting facilities, Mandara Spa, surf-themed restaurant and welcome entry, and added a new infinity-edge saltwater pool.
The adjacent Hilton Waikoloa Village has completed most phases of a $90-million upgrade, with updated rooms, enhanced service options and property-wide improvements. All pools were resurfaced and retiled, and high-speed wireless Internet access was added.
Getting There
- The Hawaiian Islands receive direct fights from 21 gateway cities in North America for airports servicing Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kona (KOA), Hilo (ITO) and Kauai (LIH). Overall service is approximately 183,570 seats weekly (August 2007).
- Two Hawaii-based carriers—Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines—each provide approximately 100 daily flights connecting Oahu to the neighbor islands. Hawaiian also operates nonstop service to Oahu from nine West Coast gateways and to Maui from three. Aloha flies to Oahu from six West Coast gateways, and to Kona and Maui from three. An additional carrier, go!, services five airports on four islands.
What's New?
Abrupt Adieu to Aloha Airlines | After 61 years of service to and from the Hawaiian Islands, Aloha Airlines operated its final fli...
Back to TopFast Facts
| Population | 1,211,537 |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 52 ft |
| Temperature | 60°f - 89°f |
| Nearest Airport | Hilo International Airport |
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