Hawaii Convention Center photo by Cameron Brooks

With its stunning natural beauty, world-class facilities and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii stands out as an exceptional choice for associations seeking to create extraordinary events that deliver unforgettable moments.

Offering a unique atmosphere to blend business and pleasure, Hawaii enables attendees to seamlessly transition from breakout sessions to breathtaking beachside views. Its strategic location, superb hospitality and diverse recreational activities ensure that every convention held in the state is never just a meeting, but an inspiring and rejuvenating journey as well.

Lynn R. Whitehead, vice president, MCI global sales and marketing for the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, notes that Hawaii is more than just a venue; it’s an invitation to reinvent meetings and events in an incredible setting.

“The Hawaiian Islands embody an energy that meeting and convention attendees feel the moment their plane touches down,” she says. “Employing a respectful and mindful approach with attendees is integral in creating a safe and welcoming event.”

More Than Just a Destination

Unlike the other 49 states, Hawaii offers the diversity and appeal of an international destination while retaining the familiar comforts and conveniences of working in the U.S.

“Hawaii’s exceptional year-round weather, beautiful natural environment, unique venues and culturally focused CSR opportunities to malama (care for) and give back creates an atmosphere that fosters creative, out-of-the-box thinking and meaningful interactions among attendees,” Whitehead says. “Hawaii isn’t just a destination; it’s an immersive experience ready to transform your next event into a storyline of unforgettable moments, infusing the spirit of ‘aloha’ into every aspect of meeting in Hawaii.”

Hosting in Hawaii offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, luxury and accessibility, making it an exceptional option to impress event attendees and reward employees.

That’s why, over the years, event management company Bishop-McCann has successfully organized a wide range of events in the 50th U.S. state, from intimate gatherings to large-scale retreats, each meticulously tailored to meet the specific goals and preferences of its clients.

“Our strong relationships with local vendors, resorts and cultural experts allow us to offer exclusive and authentic Hawaiian experiences, enhancing the overall appeal and impact of each event,” says Brenda Foster, CIS, SEPC, who is a senior program manager for Bishop-McCann.

The unique experiences and high level of hospitality provided by Hawaii ensure that attendees feel valued and motivated, creating a positive and memorable impact on their overall job satisfaction and performance.

“Hawaii’s diverse outdoor offerings provide unique team-building activities like snorkeling, hiking through volcanic landscapes and traditional outrigger canoeing,” Foster says. “Additionally, attendees have the chance to engage in authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences, including hula dancing lessons, lei-making workshops and luaus. These activities offer memorable cultural immersion, fostering a deeper appreciation for the destination while also enhancing camaraderie and team spirit.”

Tracey Pictor, head of research and proposals for retreat-planning agency Moniker Partners, calls Hawaii an “iconic and aspirational destination for many,” so it’s no surprise that the state is the preferred choice for many corporations and associations.

“It holds more prestige than Mexico or the Dominican Republic and offers much more variety in terms of bucket-list-worthy experiences,” she says. “With dramatic otherworldly landscapes, a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime activities, pristine beaches and opulent resorts, Hawaii stands out as an exotic, unique and truly memorable incentive location.”

Bishop-McCann hosted a four-day trip for 400 top-performing customers and employees of an international corporation. Held at a premier Maui resort, the event combined leisure activities, professional development, recognition ceremonies and cultural experiences.

“The goal was to reward exceptional performance, foster team spirit and inspire continued excellence,” Foster says. “This trip took place on the island of Maui at a beachfront resort with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes. Maui’s natural beauty and tranquility created a serene and inspiring atmosphere, enhancing the attendees’ overall experience.”

Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawaii Convention Center, sums it up best: “From its stunning location to the array of amenities and local attractions, Hawaii offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression on attendees.”

Off-the-Clock Activities

Working a convention always seems a little bit easier in Hawaii’s relaxing atmosphere, but to better understand why elite planners so frequently choose the state for events, one need only look at the vast selection of activities available to attendees after business hours.

“Beyond the scheduled programs lies a trove of off-the-clock activities waiting to be explored,” Whitehead says. “From surfing [to] snorkeling with manta rays [to] parasailing to get a bird’s-eye view of Hawaii’s breathtaking coastline to deep sea fishing, there are many exhilarating ways to experience this adventurer’s playground.”

This includes numerous experiential offerings. After all, for most event planners, what sets Hawaii apart isn’t just its lush landscapes, but the opportunities it presents to try something new. For example, while visiting the state, attendees can truly immerse themselves in the islands’ rich heritage by riding like a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) or learning to dance hula. In Hawaii, team-building transcends traditional norms as attendees can become surfers or volcano explorers for a day, forging memories they will never forget.

Hawaii Convention Center

For event planners focused on sustainability, the Hawaii Convention Center is an ideal choice, as it is dedicated to hosting “green meetings” by incorporating initiatives that reduce environmental impact through waste-reduction strategies, energy-efficient technologies and other means. As a result, groups can be confident they are choosing a venue that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

Hawaii Convention Center is a perfect location and venue for world-class meetings, blending East and West. “[It] is also a place where Hawaii’s communities connect for popular events such as Kawaii Kon, the state’s largest anime convention, as well as sports tournaments,” Orton says. “Its industry-leading health and safety measures, large meeting spaces and open-air design make it an ideal place to meet with peace of mind.”

With its 1.1 million sf of award-winning facilities, world-class cuisine, an industry-leading environmental program and innovative experienced managers in ASM Global, the Hawaii Convention Center is where business and aloha seamlessly meet. Last year, the facility was set to hit its highest gross revenues since opening more than 25 years ago.

“This growth can be attributed to citywide and other offshore events, as well as popular local events like the Okinawan Festival and Made in Hawaii Festival,” Orton says.

Last year, the Hawaii Convention Center hosted about 21 citywide events, generating around $390 million in economic impact and $45 million in tax revenue. These included the American Association of Geographers’ conference (AAG 2024) and the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in Higher Education, an annual meeting that welcomed 5,500 attendees. Other events included the American Society of Plant Biologists’ annual meeting and the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture.

“Our guests, planners, staff and communities have come together for more than 25 years to preserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands,” Orton says. “Our Ho’omaluo program, launched in 2018, celebrates that commitment with a multifaceted approach to environmental conservation that inspires everything we do and touches everyone we serve.”

Disney Aulani Resort & Spa. Photo by That First Moment Photography

Luxurious Stays

Famous for their hospitality, Hawaii’s upscale resorts offer top-notch amenities and services, ensuring that attendees will feel pampered and appreciated. As a result, planners can rest assured, knowing they will be able to choose from a variety of world-class hotels to accommodate any type of event, large or small.

Whether it’s luxury resorts or boutique hotels, there is a diverse selection to suit all preferences and budgets, and many options are within a 1.5-mile radius of the Hawaii Convention Center, allowing attendees to move seamlessly from their accommodations to their meetings in minutes. Some of Foster’s favorite Maui venues to plan meetings and conventions include the Fairmont Kea Lani, Wailea Beach Resort Marriott and Andaz.

“The beauty of our islands is our calling card, and at our resorts and hotels … attendees will experience ho’okipa (Hawaiian for hospitality) in its finest form,” Whitehead says. “Ho’okipa is a point of pride [in] the islands, [a] primary reason that Hawaii’s hotels and resorts continually rank among the top in the world, and few destinations … execute it so impeccably.”

Popular for small meetings, Ka La’i Waikiki Beach Resort began a huge renovation in June. “With select meeting facilities, we can accommodate groups from 25 to 50 and up to 50 people …” says Patsy Narimatsu, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “Hosting in Hawaii means a great location [and] weather for team-building, dine-arounds and cultural tours.”

Last year, many organizations held meetings there, including RTI Telecommunication Group — which welcomed attendees from the U.S. and Guam — and Japan’s Faith Network, a construction and architectural firm, which took 36 rooms for five nights, enjoying many of the outdoor activities the resort had to offer.

“Dine-arounds are very popular in Waikiki, as most restaurants are within walking distance,” Narimatsu says. “Shopping is popular as there are several malls available within Waikiki or just outside — the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and DFS.”

For groups ready to embark on an enchanting journey with a touch of magic on the shores of Ko Olina, the award-winning Disney Aulani Resort & Spa is the ultimate getaway. “Aulani” means “messenger of a chief,” and here groups can discover the legends of the Hawaiian islands and explore an array of unparalleled resort amenities and features celebrating the natural beauty, traditions and welcoming spirit of the island. Having undergone a significant expansion project, Disney Aulani Resort & Spa offers more than 800 luxury rooms — including spacious standard rooms, suites and villas — and over 76,000 sf of meeting space, including a 21,000-sf conference center.

The hotel also offers many dining options, giving groups the chance to enjoy locally inspired dishes. Choices include KA WA’A with its buffet-style dining, and Makahiki, where you can enjoy fresh local foods and see some Disney characters at breakfast. Attendees will also enjoy ’AMA’AMA, an open-air restaurant featuring contemporary island cooking just steps from Ko Olina Beach, where they can watch the sunset as they dine. There are also many other dining options in between, where the Aulani magic comes to life through the area’s delectable food.

With so much to offer, Disney Aulani Resort & Spa combines a true island retreat with entertainment in a way that only Disney can.

Fine Dining

When it comes to dining options for association meetings and conventions in Hawaii, attendees are in for a treat, as they will encounter a rich tapestry of unique flavors and culinary experiences that reflect the state’s diverse cultural heritage and natural bounty.

From upscale restaurants showcasing innovative Hawaiian fusion cuisine to traditional luau feasts, all tastes and preferences are catered to in the islands. For example, attendees will find plenty of seafood, locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table dining, all highlighting the destination’s one-of-a-kind personality.

“Whether it’s a formal dinner at a renowned establishment, a casual beachfront meal or a private dining event tailored to the needs of the convention, Hawaii’s vibrant culinary landscape ensures memorable dining experiences that complement the professional atmosphere of any gathering,” Whitehead says.

Regarding local restaurants, most planners’ short lists would include Roy’s Waikiki, a staple of Hawaiian dining thanks to Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion fare set in a contemporary atmosphere. They might also mention Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, which is famous for its breathtaking ocean views, exquisite cuisine and sophisticated Pacific Rim flare.

Sustainability

During the pandemic, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Tourism United States partnered with a statewide alliance of private industry partners to launch the Malama Hawaii initiative.

“This is a CSR program that encourages mindful and regenerative tourism by offering attendees an opportunity to engage in authentic cultural experiences that create opportunities to connect with the community and culture in profound, meaningful ways,” Whitehead says. “Many of the Malama Hawaii activities encourage attendees to take part in volunteer opportunities that directly impact the environment. The goal for this program is to create a deeper understanding of the importance of the land to our culture and provide a way to preserve both in the future.”

Volunteering opportunities include sunrise beach clean-ups, restoring traditional native fishponds and learning about food sovereignty on a sustainable farm. Another option is the “One Million Trees” initiative, a partnership with the statewide nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative to reforest native and endemic trees in Hawaii. As an extension of this initiative, the Hawaii Convention Center launched a program that gives meeting organizers the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint while also offering individual attendees the ability to select and plant endemic and native trees, either virtually or in person.

Planners who choose Hawaii know there’s something truly special about the destination.

Says Orton: “Satisfaction ratings from meeting planners and event organizers here remain consistently at an average of 98% … The aloha spirit inspires people to be genuinely caring and respectful, resulting in a hospitable environment that is ideal for cultivating new ideas, strengthening existing relationships and building new ones.” | AC&F |