Wailea Coastline Resort offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. © Hawaii Tourism Authority / Tor Johnson

For meeting planners looking for Hawaii’s memorable Aloha moments, they can always count on the exotic cluster of islands to offer a unique blend of authentic Hawaiian hospitality and innovative tech to support them and their attendees.

The unique geography of the Hawaiian Islands makes it easy to get to Hawaii from both Asia and North America. Its multilingual, multicultural population and its diverse settings fill the meeting planning experience in Hawaii with endless possibilities.

From surfing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkeling to adventure rafting  and whale watching, to aerial views of volcanoes and inaccessible areas by helicopter, hiking in the rainforest, bicycling down volcanic mountains, kayaking tributary rivers and the ocean, as well as countless golf courses — Hawaii’s landscape offers leisure time activities that are guaranteed to make your group’s time in the islands simply unforgettable.

Since the destructive wildfires devastated the island’s western region in early August, Hawaii has been working on superdrive trying to open for business. Although the meeting industry has been slow to return out of sensitivity to locals, West Maui is now open.

“Hawaii and the Hawaii Convention Center are open for meetings and convention business,” assured John Reyes, senior vice president and chief MCI sales officer of Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority advises travelers to check with individual accommodations, activities and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation.

Giving Back to the Earth: Capturing the Spirit of the Hawaiian Islands

Without doubt, pent-up demand for gatherings in tropical destinations infused with natural beauty, expansive outdoor spaces and lush landscapes has contributed to Hawaii’s hearty resurgence in bookings among business travelers. And for good reason. Attendees can expect to experience what has always defined the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands — “the Hawaiian value of hookipa,” said Reyes, explaining that, “Hookipa is the hospitality of complete giving, unselfishly extending to others the best that we have to give and welcome even strangers with aloha.”

Hawaii is all about giving back. Their Malama Hawaii campaign is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that provides discounts and special offers to travelers who participate in a voluntourism activity. Simply put, malama means to take care — of our earth, each other and ourselves. Each of their six dramatically different Hawaiian islands offers its own brand of malama programs with the goal to offer attendees “a chance to engage in authentic cultural experiences that create opportunities to connect with community and culture in profound, meaningful ways,” said Reyes.

Through a myriad of partnerships, participants discover how to preserve and protect the planet for future generations. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach has a Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative to plant 100,000 trees in its ‘Alohilani Forest in a commitment to re-forestation, which has become more important than ever. Three’s Bar & Grill partnered with Pacific Whale Foundation to share detailed information and insight on the sustainable seafood practices, as well as insights into the history of Maui.

Whether joining in a beach cleanup like that offered at The Kahala Hotel & Resort on Oahu, building trails, clearing weeds and planting trees with Wailoloa Dry Forest Initiative in partnership with the Fairmont Orchid, or committing to Hawaii Island’s “Pono Pledge,” participants are invited to be safe, responsible, and respectful to each other and the environment while enjoying the bounty of the island of Hawaii — in other words, practice mindful, regenerative travel.

In addition to launching the Malama Hawaii campaign, Hawaii Islands has initiated a host of hotel expansions and renovations, together with culinary tours and restaurant openings, attractions, festivals and activities.

Hawaii Island

While planners might not opt to hold a meeting on the summit of an active volcano, meeting-goers do have the option of exploring one of nature’s greatest wonders and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, the largest of all the islands combined in the archipelago. Acclaimed by National Geographic as one of 50 Ultimate Road Trips in the World and Rand McNally’s Best of the Road, a drive around the island showcases eight heritage sites with historical, cultural and environmental significance.

Voted one of the best hotels on the Island of Hawaii by U.S. News & World Report, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, offers timeless appeal spanning 60 acres on the golden Kohala Coast. Developed by conservationist and venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller as the island’s first resort, the hotel opened in 1965 and became a member of the Historic Hotels of America in 2016. Hospitality begins from the first moment attendees enter their property. A complimentary in-room welcome amenity, fresh flower lei, cold oshi-bori (wet hand towel) and tropical juice is available upon arrival.

Whether planning meetings for 20 or up to 800 people, organizers have a host of flexible indoor/outdoor space options enhanced by the natural beauty of the property’s surroundings. Group services highlight the island’s legendary aloha culture of service and hospitality through the assistance of onsite catering, complimented by the resort’s four restaurants: the beachfront Hau Tree, open-air Manta restaurant, clubhouse Number 3 Restaurant and the Mauna Kea Luau, voted the number one Big Island Luau. In addition, they have a full-time concierge for meeting and activity planning.

Creative meetings are supported by a full slate of activities ranging from the beach and top rated Seaside Tennis Club to their two award-winning 18-hole golf courses. Also included is a 2,500 sf resort fitness center, The Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara, offering Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired therapies, resort shopping and cultural activities like Hawaiian hula lessons and a free Mauna Kea Collection Art Tour. They also have nighttime manta swims and an “Icons of Wine” dinner series and wine tasting events.

When Kerstin Warwick, director of programs at Cain Travel, Meetings & Events in Boulder, CO, announced the site of her technology/software client’s incentive meeting for 120 people, “The qualifiers were very excited and those that had qualified in past years were disappointed they hadn’t qualified this year,” she said. Which meeting location made the cut? The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Island of Hawaii, voted number five hotel on the Island of Hawaii. “The client was looking for a tropical, exciting destination within the United States and Hawaii is always a crowd pleaser,” said Warwick. “We selected The Westin Hapuna because of the updated property and golf courses. The special touches we were very excited about were the cultural experiences.”

The property, which underwent a $50 million renovation five years ago, offers 85,000 sf of newly refreshed function space perfect for meetings. Planners can celebrate 90 to 900 of their top performers, both outdoors and indoors, in style. Seven available venues include an 8,000 sf ballroom for showcasing superstars. For an evening cocktail reception, planners can opt for an event in the courtyard or the pre-function entryway of the Hapuna Ballroom.

Breakfast starts at Ikena Landing, while fresh, local foods enhanced by the hotel’s on-site, half-acre garden, feature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Merida. Attendees are encouraged to stop by Piko Coffee + Bar for a pick-me-up morning latte or Naupaka Beach Grill poolside after an afternoon swim in the 6,800 sf freeform family pool or an adult-exclusive infinity pool overlooking Hapuna Beach. A plethora of cultural activities encourage meeting attendees to embrace the culture and customs of the island, such as the resort’s Aloha Ambassador at the Hapuna Beach Lawn, or participating in lei making and hula lessons.

Oahu

Iconic. Luxurious. Serene. Oahu’s Halekulani may be located in the heart of the island, but “you do not feel the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, which is steps away from the hotel,” shared Geoff Pearson, former director of sales and marketing. “When on property, a different vibe takes over, which has been called an oasis of tranquility.”

As a valued destination for meeting-goers, Hawaii offers a compelling package. Beyond its tropical breezes, endless sunshine and landscape beauty, “The geographical location makes it a perfect destination for east meets west travelers both domestic and international. Being on the island of Oahu, everything is within reach — the Convention Center is approximately one mile away from Waikiki and the Honolulu International Airport is 11 miles or 25 minutes away from town,” explained Pearson.

Halekulani (“House Befitting Heaven”) has welcomed attendees with graciousness and hospitality for over a century, said Pearson. “Our hotel is known for its open flow and spaciousness. Here at Halekulani, there is no standing in long lines at check in.” He continued, “We completed a restoration of the hotel focusing on the physical infrastructure, public spaces and guest rooms.”

The hotel also reopened House Without A Key, an ocean view restaurant with a shaded outdoor bar, state-of-the-art exhibition style glass kitchen and contemporary furnishings that complement the setting. It is a great place to watch some of the most spectacular sunsets in Waikiki and features live Hawaiian music with hula performances, small bites and signature cocktails.

Other onsite dining includes Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 star restaurant, the elegant La Mer, inspired by the flavors of southern France, and Orchids, noted for its casual elegance serving coastal Italian cuisine.

When not in meetings, attendees can find plenty of ways to feel restored and rejuvenated, from walking on the beach and doing yoga to heading to the award-winning Spa Halukalani for beauty and body treatments. For a more cultural experience, attendees can experience their Halekulani Fine Arts Collection showcasing local artists throughout the hotel. A variety of versatile indoor/outdoor meeting spaces range from the 4,300 sf ballroom with unobstructed views, to the Hua Terrace & Lanai offering 5,000 sf for up to 120 guests against the stunning backdrop of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, to smaller venues, such as the 364 sf Executive Conference Room with state-of-the-art technology.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort is a paradise set on Ka’anapali Beach. Courtesy of Hyatt

Maui

Maui is perfect for bleisure. When not in meetings, attendees can explore the most enchanting corporate reward experiences on the island. With a rich landscape, there is plenty to do to take in all the natural beauty. The Halekala National Park offers hiking opportunities to Iao Valley, where you can explore its rich cultural history or take a daytrip to lanai, which is known for pineapple farming.

Sitting on 40 acres of Ka’anapali Beach is The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, where attendees can take a swim in one of six free-form pools with waterfalls, relax in a private beachfront or poolside cabana enhanced by food and drink service. They can also enjoy scenic ocean views while relaxing with a luxurious body treatment, lomi lomi Hawaiian massage or refreshing facial at Kamaha’o Marilyn Monroe Spa.

Attendees can take advantage of Hyatt’s Recharge and Restore package, which provides three nights of exceptional accommodations in the resort’s stunning Presidential suite, a variety of fitness activities including a one-hour personal training class, and a yoga and meditation session. For a more personalized workout experience, rooms come equipped with a Peloton and free weights.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa’s 779 guest rooms include 31 suites, all featuring private lanai with glass balconies offering mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean, West Maui Mountains, golf courses or lush gardens. Dining concepts are all open-air/outdoor venues and feature a variety of cuisines infused with island flavors: Japengo (Asian), ‘Umalu (American), Son’z Steakhouse (USDA prime cuts and fresh seafood) and more. Their Drums of the Pacific Lu’au features an authentic lu’au and dining experience on Ka’anapali Beach.

When it comes to meetings, both Maui and Oahu have a natural setting that would work well for larger outdoor meetings, allowing for a productive and uniquely Hawaiian business presentation. As a result, the hotel meeting team has introduced a new user-friendly tool, the Hyatt Planner Portal, “a one-stop location” for viewing information pre-,  during and post-event.

With immersive cultural experiences, such as hula lessons and lei making, plus rooftop stargazing and wildlife tours, planners have the ability to create a uniquely magical event. Hyatt offers 100,000 sf of flexible function space, including 27,000 sf of indoor meeting space and 10,000 sf of pre-function space.

Four Seasons

Exclusivity, luxury and privacy abound at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii, regardless of island location: Oahu, Lanai, Maui or Hawaii Island. Each destination honors the timeless traditions of Hawaiian culture through site-specific experiences rooted in the family lore of local tour guides.

Sophisticated dining, world-class amenities and curated programs are purposely designed to celebrate top performers, ensuring that each attendee feels individually recognized and rewarded. Tailored tasting menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, sailing onboard a private luxury yacht and exclusive VIP tours are among the boundless possibilities for creating unique, memorable events.

Multi-functional, state-of-the art spaces in private settings, along with customized breaks that might include a yoga session, cooking demo or afternoon sail combine to produce a top-notch meeting experience. For those attendees interested in stargazing, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai has an observatory with stargazing and cultural programming.

The Four Seasons Resort Sensei Lanai offers sports performance packages for golf and tennis enthusiasts, as extensions of the resort’s Optimal Wellbeing Program that uses a wearable Whoop strap, which is a fitness-tracking and fitness-coaching device that analyzes each guest’s unique real-time fitness, sleep and recovery data.

The state-of-the-art Hawaii Convention Center offers 1.1 million sf of space, a wide variety of amenities and attractions, and unique culture and hospitality, making Hawaii unlike any other destination.

“Hawaii provides the backdrop for a MICE program that will truly rejuvenate, refresh and invigorate your attendees,” concluded Reyes. C&IT