Hawai’i: Isle of Exotic MICE Opportunities
Very few destinations can combine a breathtaking holiday experience with a near perfect MICE environment. The Hawai’i Islands have been able to do that, creating a perfect sojourn for a business offsite, with modern facilities and a hospitality infrastructure that is drawing the world’s attention. MICEtalk decided to find out more about what this exotic island nation has placed on its MICE platter.
The six islands of Hawai’i, namely O’ahu, Kaua’i, Maui, Lana’i, Moloka’i and Hawai’i Big Island, each offers a distinct experience but they all stand together to let visitors experience the famous Aloha spirit, which is characterised by friendliness and a warm hospitality.
Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Corporate Meetings and Incentives (CMI), Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) reiterates this, “The island chapters are fantastic partners. We all work closely together with a single goal in mind—to make a meeting in Hawai’i the best, most rewarding and value-added experience possible for groups wanting to combine business with the thrill of being in one of the world’s great destinations.”
Know More About Hawai’i
The islands of Hawai’i with their outstanding MICE offerings include…
O’ahu Island
The heart of Hawai’i beats at O’ahu Island, where the capital Honolulu is located. Home to the famous Waikiki Beach, O’ahu is the most vibrant and cosmopolitan face of this island nation. The island offers a host of pre- and post-event opportunities;
Honolulu’s most famous and honoured landmarks, beauty of the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout which offers a spectacular view of the Ko’olau cliffs
volcanic cone recreated the South Pacific Islands on a 42 acres area. Honolulu occupies a significant page in history texts as the location of the Pearl Harbour, which blew the bugle for America’s entry into the Second World War.
But the height of O’ahu experience is the Waikiki area, which means world class hotels, a lively nightlife and some great dining and shopping experiences. The Waikiki Beach opens up some of the best surfing lessons in the world.
The Hawai’i Convention Centre
The O’ahu Island is home to The Hawai’i Convention Center which is one of the most well-equipped convention venues in the world today, and the source of much pride for this cluster of islands.
Fact File
Kamehameha I, II and III
accommodating up to 700 vehicles
tiered theatres/auditoriums ballroom that can be demarcated into smaller areas for smaller groups.
Other facilities
on-floor access
with tiered seating
Maui Island
Often referred to as the magic isle, Maui Island has four major resort areas, namely –Wailea, Mäkena, Kä’anapali and Kapalua, which have a range of properties that can host meetings and conventions for around 3,000 attendees. The island has more than 16,000 rooms in 130 hotels and condominium properties, with indoor and outdoor meeting space totaling up to 28,000 sq.ft. There are various things
to do and see for a MICE traveller, whether it is the nightlife of Lahaina or experiences of whale watching there or hiking in the lush beauty in the Iao valley State Park or snorkeling in Molokini which is a couple of miles off Maui’s Southern coast. One can also try snorkeling, beach combing and kayaking or watching a giant humpback whale at Kihei.
Hotspots and hotter activities in Maui
snorkeling
advisable in winters because of powerful waves)
caves
Molokai Island
It is here that you will find the world’s largest sea cliffs overlooking turquoise waters and a 250-foot jungle waterfall! Molokai is protected by 28 miles of fringed reef on its southern shore and 3 miles of white sand on the western shore. The island is known for kayaking, hiking, snorkeling experiences and is believed to be the cradle of nature’s bounty.
Lana’i Island
With clean air and nature’s bounty as your companions, Lanai is probably the quietest corners of Hawai’i but with a lot of scope for adventure.
Lana’i Island attractions
Hawai’i
The Big Island
– It is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, the most characteristic sight here is of molten lava flowing down the slopes of the Kilauea and into the sea. This expands the shoreline and is the reason why this island is often described as a ‘ Landscape under Construction’. The island is also known for its rich culture and temples.
Explore Hawai’i Island through…
Kaua’i Island
Kaua’i offers approximately 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 condominium units to support a variety of meeting facilities—the largest of which is more than 20,000 square feet and can accommodate 1,500 banquet guests. Nine magnificent golf courses present a favorite pre- and post-meeting activity. Kaua’i’s spectacular and varied landscape keeps it in demand with Hollywood and fans of eco-travel.
Other MICE venues at Hawai’i
Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, it is suitable for up to 8,000 people. It accommodates large corporate events, lectures, or small business luncheons. The Palace is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Honolulu, a 10-minute drive from the Hawai’i Convention Center and 15 minutes from Waikiki hotels. http://www.iolanipalace.org/
Affectionately known to many as the “Mighty Mo”, it was launched on January 29, 1944, and is the last U.S. battleship ever built. After joining the battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, she became the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. Now docked at Pearl Harbor and available for corporate meetings or special events, the iconic ship spans the equivalent of three football fields in length and towers heroically over 20 stories tall. http://www. ussmissouri.com/
outdoor recreation with many places accessible only by horseback, on an all-terrain vehicle, or by hiking. Located on the northeastern side of O’ahu approximately 45 minutes from Honolulu, the ranch offers a stunning location for corporate meetings, events and/or retreats. http://www.kualoa.com/
The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau
The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) is a one-stop shop for meeting planners. It provides the necessary information needed for their programme objectives. This includes marketing materials to whet recipients’ appetite for the Hawai’i experience and
help motivate them to meet company goals. HVCB also works very closely with its Island Chapter Bureaus representing Kauai, O’ahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island, and industry partners representing hotels and accommodations, activities and attractions across the island nation.
MICE offerings
HVCB offers the Added Value Resource Center, which is available online at BusinessAloha.com and features eight cost-saving or incentive-laden programmes to help planners and clients stretch their travel budgets and enhance their ROI. Examples of the programme benefits include savings on hotel room rates, a listing of free activities to incorporate in an itinerary, and corporate social responsibility projects to volunteer their time. For more ionformation: www.BusinessAloha.com