Where business and island life meet
By Kate Zaliznock
Whether it’s an executive retreat overlooking the Pacific or a convention paired with unforgettable island experiences, Hawai’i continues to stand out as one of the world’s premier meeting destinations.
Each island brings its own personality, giving planners the flexibility to design programs that reflect their goals while treating attendees to everything from volcanic landscapes and championship golf to world-renowned beaches and authentic cultural traditions. Coupled with a collection of luxury resorts and continued investment in meetings infrastructure, the Aloha State offers an inspiring setting for groups of every size.
Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love Hawai’i
- Easy to customize. Few destinations give planners so many distinct options within a single state. Whether a program calls for the excitement of Waikiki, the serenity of Kauai or the dramatic landscapes of the Island of Hawai’i, each island offers a different backdrop without sacrificing quality accommodations or group-friendly infrastructure.
- The agenda practically writes itself. Attendees can spend the morning in meetings and the afternoon snorkeling, hiking, sailing or learning traditional Hawaiian crafts. Resorts including Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach make it easy to build memorable off-site experiences into the schedule.
- Luxury comes with substance. Hawai’i’s top resorts continue to invest in programming that goes beyond beautiful guest rooms. At properties such as Fairmont Orchid, cultural demonstrations, local cuisine and outdoor experiences help groups leave with a stronger appreciation for the destination itself.
- Looking ahead. Hawai’i continues to strengthen its meetings offerings through resort enhancements and major venue investments. The reopening of the Hawai’i Convention Center in January 2028 will give planners another refreshed option for larger gatherings while complementing the islands’ extensive collection of meeting-friendly resorts.
Places to Meet & Stay
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
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A longtime icon on the Kohala Coast, this resort pairs timeless architecture with one of the island’s most celebrated white-sand beaches. Groups can complement meetings with championship golf, ocean activities and cultural programming.
11,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 252 guest rooms
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Following an extensive renovation, this beloved Kaanapali beachfront resort offers a refreshed take on classic Maui hospitality. Flexible indoor and outdoor venues, oceanfront accommodations and walkable access to Whalers Village make it a strong choice for planners.
43,350 sq. ft. of meeting space; 460 guest rooms
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Known for exceptional service and polished event execution, this luxury resort excels at high-end incentive programs and executive gatherings. Multiple restaurants, ocean-view venues and curated island experiences immerse attendees in a polished sense of place.
38,900+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 383 guest rooms
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Set on Kauai’s sunny South Shore, this expansive resort combines lush tropical grounds with one of the state’s largest collections of resort meeting space. A bleisure agenda is highly recommended, as its pools, lazy river and water slides are legendary,
65,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 605 guest rooms
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Perched on Oahu’s North Shore, this reimagined luxury resort offers a distinctly different Hawai’i experience from Waikiki. Attendees can choose from surfing, horseback riding, wellness experiences and cultural activities for team-building or downtime.
25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 450 guest rooms
This article appears in the September 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
