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B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57 HAWAII AREA GUIDES HAWAI'I: WHERE MEETINGS MEET ALOHA BY PATRICE A. KELLY In Hawai'i, meetings convene against a backdrop of emerald mountains, volcanic coastlines, swaying palms, and endless Pacific blue. Here, the atmosphere is part of the program. Magnificent sunrises greet morning sessions beneath breezy lanais overlooking the ocean, while evenings tran- sition into sunset receptions beside torchlit beaches, lush gardens, and open-air ter- races. Yet the islands' greatest asset may be the spirit of aloha itself, Hawai'ian culture rooted in warmth, connection, music, story- telling, and shared experience, it's where meaningful moments flow as naturally as the trade winds. O'AHU O'ahu, home of the iconic Diamond Head crater, highlights Hawai'i's meeting menu. Attendees can move easily between confer- ence sessions, beachfront gatherings, cul- tural excursions, and after-hours networking amidst beauty. The Hawai'i Convention Center (HCC) sits between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. It boasts over 1M sq. ft. of space, expansive exhibit halls, ballrooms, rooftop function areas, and breakout rooms all in an open-air atmosphere. Currently, HCC is undergoing an $87 M renovation. Due to be completed in 2028, the two-year project includes the trans- formation of the 95,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace into a stunning outdoor event space. The surrounding Waikiki and Ala Moana hotels are within walking distance of the con- vention center, beaches, shopping, restau- rants, and nightlife, easing logistics for your structured agendas and free time. Oahu's culinary scene adds additional program flexibility. Gather at Sura Hawai'i for lively Korean barbecue or head to Southern Love in nearby Kaka'ako for Southern com- fort food with island influences. Experience the culture at Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor, and immersive encounters like the Mauka Warriors Luau, with Hawai'ian music, storytelling, and Polynesian dance. By evening, visit Waikiki's rooftop lounges, beachfront bars, live music venues, or performances at the Waikiki Shell. MAUI Maui is ideal for executive retreats, incentive programs, wellness excursions, leadership summits, and small-to-midsize Ana Oahu, Hawaii Convention Center meetings. In Wailea, Kapalua, and Kahului, groups can move from open-air sessions to oceanfront dinners, spa experiences, cul- tural programming, and conversations beside fire pits overlooking the Pacific. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and Fairmont Kea Lani anchor Maui's con- ference market with luxury accommodations, indoor-outdoor meeting space, wellness pro- gramming, and oceanfront event venues. Grand Wailea offers roughly 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, while the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului is a creative alternative with theaters, courtyards, gal- leries, and flexible event spaces. The Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman brings live music and Hawai'ian Regional Cuisine to group dinners, while Sol Brothers Southern BBQ adds a multicultural flavor. Hula, lei-making, whale-watching, Haleakalā sunrise programs, and refined evening lounges give Maui gatherings a memorable touch. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Go Hawai'I – 808-244-3530 www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui KAUA'I Kaua'i, the "Garden Isle," is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain peaks and jagged cliffs aged by the elements and time. In the midst of this natural splendor, the island's meeting atmosphere is shaped by quiet luxury. Your attendees move amidst verdant nature and open-air gathering spaces perfect for retreats, leadership gath- erings, and incentive groups. Resorts in Poipu, Princeville, and Lihue, including Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa, form the epicenter of the island's meetings offerings with indoor-outdoor event space, cultural programming, spas, and beachfront settings. Offsite happenings include Nā Pali Coast cruises, Waimea Canyon excursions, snorkeling adventures, and sunset dinners at Merriman's Kaua'i or The Beach House. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Go Hawai'I – 808-245-3971 https://www.gohawaii.com/kauai • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra 1,100 Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort 2,800 Prince Waikiki 560 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Hawai'i Convention Center Total Meeting Space 1.1 M sq. ft. Largest Hall 204,249 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 47 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Hawai'I Convention & Visitors Bureau 808-923-1811 https://www.hvcb.org photo credit: Hawai'i CVB