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B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 53 AREA GUIDES MEETING IN THE ALOHA STATE PRO- VIDES YEAR ROUND HOSPITALITY, FROM TRADE SHOWS TO WEDDINGS ! B Y R U F U S M C K I N N E Y It's difficult to name a more naturally inspiring destination than Hawai i to hold a meeting or convention. Few destinations have the kind of cultural authenticity that defines Hawai i, and planners can easily incorporate hallmarks of traditional Hawaiian life into their programs. Visitors to the islands find Hawaiian culture and his- tory fascinating, stimulating and simply moving — one more reason Hawaii is not your typical seaside meetings destination. • • O'AHU • • The Aloha State is an opus of six islands, but if there's one that sets the tempo, it's O ahu. Hawai i's most populat- ed and third-largest island has a rhythm all its own — an energy that meeting and convention travelers feel the moment their plane touches down in Honolulu. Throughout the capital city, from down- town to the beachfront resort area of Waik k , the beat pulses in business, entertainment and cultural events. Honolulu's attractions are exciting, its population diverse, and its ambiance chic. O'ahu has everything to make gather- ings of all sizes special, including the crown jewel of the islands meetings' infra- structure – the 1.1-million square-foot Hawai i Convention Center. The venue is equipped with 47 meeting rooms, a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, two tiered-seating theaters, a 35,000-square- foot ballroom and a registration lobby of the same size. But where there's modern verve, there's also history and relaxed, island style. Known as "Hawai i's Gathering Place," it is an island of impressive con- trasts, and while Honolulu bustles with activity, the areas surrounding it afford a more leisurely experience. The perfect O ahu programs showcase it all, pairing city with country, surf with style, tradi- tion with innovation and commerce with culture. • • MAUI• • World renowned as a meetings and incentive programs destination, Maui makes it easy to see to attendees' whims and wants with aplomb. The "Best Island in the World" (as it's consistently voted by the readers of top travel publications) is home to iconic experiences made unforgettable by a landscape that is noth- ing short of divine. Maui's many impeccable resorts are clustered in seaside areas along the western coast (Kapalua and K anapali), down south (Wailea and M kena), and a high-end secluded retreat to the east in H na. The island's properties have over 19,000 overnight rooms combined, plus on-site luxuries like sprawling swimming pools, sumptuous spas, high-end dining establishments, family-centered activities and much more. Maui's commitment to unparalleled leisure and incentive travel experiences extends to business needs, as well. Its top group properties have dedicated con- ference spaces and superb special event venues, and Maui's renewable energy, ocean sciences and agricultural biotech fields can infuse programs with fresh expertise and new ideas. • • KAUA'A• • Hawai i's oldest and fourth largest isle engages every sense. On Kaua i, you'll find a world of infinite greens and blues and experiences that are larger than life. Attendees from around the world are invigorated by Kaua i's surg- ing waterfalls cascading down emerald cliffs in Waimea Canyon, by the N pali Coast's soaring, 3,000-foot cliffs viewed from a luxury catamaran and by breathing in the fragrance of lush, unspoiled tropical flora. Like all buildings on the "the Garden Island," no hotels are taller than a coconut palm tree ensuring that views across the island remain pristine. There are more than 4,000 hotel rooms, and many properties have flexible, functional meeting spaces. Options range from value-oriented, family-friendly hotels to exclusive resorts offering VIP style. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort 3,386 Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. 351 Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 810 The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue 356 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Hawaii Convention Center Total Meeting 1.1 million sq. ft. Largest Hall 200,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 35,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 47 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Meet Hawaii – (808) 923-1881 www.meethawaii.com Hawaii Convention Center photo credit: Vernon Brown H AWA I I