What’s New In The Hawaiian Islands

Queen’s Beach, Waikiki, Oahu. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

This fall is already looking to be one of the best times this year to go to the Hawaiian Islands as they have unveiled several new hotel developments, from renovations to new F&B programs, added facilities and new packages. If you are planning meetings there, check out some of these changes.

Ko‘a Kea Hotel and Resort (Kaua‘i) recently unveiled its $5 million renewed look, designed to “embrace the beauty and serenity of the Garden Island” this summer. Each refreshed guest room prominently features colors and patterns inspired by Kaua‘i’s lush foliage, red earth and koa wood. Beyond the refresh, guests still have access to the resort’s amenities, including The Spa at Ko‘a Kea, tropical pool with ocean views, outdoor bar, lava rock hot tub, oceanside fire pits, fitness studio, on-site watersports and more. The resort now also hosts a daily Pāʻina Hour at its pool bar, where guests can sip, soak and enjoy island breezes and breathtaking ocean views. The Ko‘a Kea Resort’s  Red Salt restaurant recently debuted new menus curated by Executive Chef Noelani Planas featuring Hawai‘i-inspired seafood dishes paired with local produce and paying homage to her upbringing on the island. www.koakea.com

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (island of Hawai‘i) is debuting a new food and beverage program this spring through summer, also including a new Spirits Passportprogram featuring exclusive Mauna Kea-labeled spirits available at all dining and beverage outlets on property. Mauna Kea-label tequila-based cocktails are available at the hotel’s Hau Tree beach bar and cafe, while Mauna Kea-label American whiskey-based cocktails are on the menu at the property’s iconic Copper Bar. In the months ahead, guests will also be able to enjoy several hotel Icons of Wine dinners, featuring selections from winery partners, including Jaga, Louis Jadot, Antinori and more, as well as a new series of Winemaker Events with partners including Senses Wines, Thomas Rivers Brown, Kim Crawford, Neal Family Vineyards and more. www.maunakearesort.com

The adults-only, wellness-focused Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort (Lāna‘i) is now offering a destination package for couples seeking one final getaway before welcoming a new addition to the family. The resort’s Babymoon Guide package provides expectant parents amenities and couples activities tailored to them. A babymoon souvenir welcomes the parents-to-be upon their arrival and includes a logoed onesie and bib. Sensei Guides and wellness practitioners with advanced degrees in their respective fields create itineraries for couples featuring maternity spa treatments, functional movement classes, nutrition sessions and island adventures. www.fourseasons.com/sensei

Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort recently debuted its open-air event pavilion, Hālau Ho‘okipa, on the easternmost point on the Garden Island. Designed as a beachfront open-air event space, the 4,500-square-foot pavilion fronts the ancient surfing grounds of the Royal Coconut Coast, boasting sweeping sea views just steps from the sand. In addition to hosting lūʻau performances, the space also serves as a venue for weddings, parties, concerts, family gatherings, hula classes and more. Hālau Ho‘okipa is open on three walls to allow for easy event set-up and larger group gatherings. Its design follows basic A-frame construction and features a naturally thatched roof utilizing local materials. Showcased within the pavilion is a newly restored replica of a Hawaiian waʻa (canoe). The pavilion can accommodate up to 180 people for a wedding or lūʻau. www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lihsk-sheraton-kauai-coconut-beach-resort

For more information on Hawaii, visit www.gohawaii.com.