http://www.smartmeetings.com/tags 2008-12-12T19:56:47Z Smart Meetings http://www.smartmeetings.com/destinations/smooth-sailing 2008-12-12T19:56:47Z Dawna L. Robertson

It's hard to beat the beach's intoxicating combo of sun and sand when considering a meetings destination. Maui is fringed by 81 of these beauties set along 120 miles of coastline. Imagine how such uplifting energy can elevate a group environment. Accordingly, a growing number of organizations are selecting Maui for meetings, conventions and incentive awards.

20.794634, -156.357422 <p>Maui County consists of the individual islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. The island of Maui is second largest of the Hawaiian chain, with 727 square miles of land area that&#39;s home to a population of 117,644. The average temperature floats languorously between 75&ndash;85 degrees F.<br /><br />With its offerings of aloha hospitality, rousing diversions, sophisticated accommodations and global technology, Maui makes creating the ideal corporate gathering a snap. As they say in the islands, Maui No Ka Oi (&quot;Maui is the best&quot;). When they&#39;re done Maui-style, Meetings No Ka Oi, as well.</p><p>From mischievous gods to reveling whalers, Maui&#39;s past is as vibrant as its present. The only Hawaiian island named for a demigod (half man, half god), this enchanted spot is steeped with legends and a culture uniquely its own. Much of Maui&#39;s group appeal is its size. Neither too small nor too large, the island is extremely manageable. In the same day, visitors can catch a Haleakala sunrise, have lunch in funky Paia, then watch the sun slip below the horizon at Kaanapali Beach.</p><p>Facilities are situated within Maui&rsquo;s four master-planned resort areas of Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea and Makena. While individually these properties can accommodate from 400 to 3,000 attendees, these multiple-property destinations present convenient overflow options for unusually large groups.<br />Here are some helpful links: </p><p><strong>Hawaii Visitors &amp; Convention Bureau</strong> - (<a href="http://www.gohawaii.com">gohawaii.com</a>)<br /><strong>Kaanapali Beach Resort Association</strong> - (<a href="http://www.kaanapaliresort.com">kaanapaliresort.com</a>)<br /><strong>Maui Meeting Planner</strong> - (<a href="http://www.mauimeetings.net">mauimeetings.net</a>)<br /><strong>Maui Visitors Bureau</strong> - (<a href="http://www.visitmaui.com">visitmaui.com</a>)<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </p>