It’s tough even in today’s economy to resist a chance to escape to paradise. And few destinations possess the allure of Hawaii—especially its gem islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Even as the bad economic news continues to rain down on a now-drenched American public, the Magic Isles of Maui County continue to spout rainbows at the edge of the clouds. Though not immune to the effects seen everywhere, the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai maintain their unique proposition for groups seeking unfettered nature, uncrowded beaches and unparalleled beauty.
Maui
Not many destinations can inspire attendees like Maui can. The largest of the Maui Nui island group, Maui is popular with meeting groups, leisure travelers and honeymooners in equal measure—all of whom can be found here en masse year-round.
Maui is loaded with soft-sand beaches, upon which crystal blue water laps in an ongoing and intoxicating foamy roar. The beaches are flanked by world-class hotels and resorts, which most groups ultimately book. However, among the island’s 18,000 rooms is an assortment of houses and condominiums that are popular among groups looking to remain more self-contained. Maui’s facilities are largely concentrated in the areas of Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea, Makena, Kihei, Kahului and Hana.
While the island has felt the effects of the economic downturn—amplified by the shutdown last year of Aloha and ATA airlines—Maui has maintained its core proposition of providing a uniquely memorable experience for groups. The island offers an intriguing mix of family-friendly activities and distinct opportunities such as whale watching and luaus, alongside up-to-the-minute technology and healthy, reliable infrastructure. From ground transportation to destination management, Maui has everything planners would expect from any large U.S. city.
The better news? The planner has never been in a better position to get more from their Maui-planning dollar.
“Things have definitely slowed down. We’re certainly not as busy as we have been in years past,” says Tom Risko, director of meetings, conventions and incentives for the Maui Visitors Bureau. “But just like you’re seeing in other cities, we’re using this opportunity to attract business more aggressively, and at the [bureau], we are getting more creative in our approach. We’re more proactive.”
For the planner this translates to an island on sale—from incentives being offered from the bureau and help with ground transportation and additional marketing materials to individual properties offering concessions like discounted golf and hosted receptions.
“We are sensitive to the situation, and the hotels here are sensitive to the situation, too,” Risko says. “We are doing what we can to help the customer.”
Meeting planners have a wide array from which to choose on Maui. The list continues to expand and to be improved upon.
Last month, Maui welcomed its newest luxury beach resort on the Kaanapali’s North Beach. The Honua Kai Resort & Spa features 318 rooms on 38 oceanfront acres, with more than 70 percent of rooms offering ocean views out to Molokai and Lanai. A fitness center, pool and cafe are part of the first phase. An additional 310 rooms as well as an oceanfront restaurant and a full-service spa are slated to open in 2010.
The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas recently opened its newest phase of oceanfront villas—516 luxury rooms and private villas, as well as a new full-service spa with 13 treatment rooms.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is also enjoying a recent refurbishment, including redesigns of all guest rooms to include the Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds and Heavenly Showers.
Meanwhile, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach recently added Umalu, an $8 million restaurant.
The Grand Wailea recently completed a $50 million renovation that added updated finishes and furnishings to the guest rooms and freshened up the restaurants, lounges, spa and pools at one of Maui’s most popular resorts.
Nearby, the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is enjoying its own $60 million renovation that included the addition of six over-water cabanas situated atop the new Maluhia Serenity Pool.
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea will unveil a new adults-only Serenity Pool in April, featuring six 190-square-foot cabanas, each outfitted with HDTVs.
Farther north, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua reopened last year following a $180 million transformation that included major improvements throughout the property, including the reconfiguration of some guest rooms to create one- and two-bedroom full-ownership residential suites. The project also included the addition of a 17,500-square-foot spa.
Numerous Maui properties cater to groups, and most maintain ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date and competitive—everything from overhauling meeting space to redesigning restaurant menus. Other top group-friendly hotels and resorts include The Fairmont Kea Lani (which recently completed several upgrades, including ballroom renovations; a new restaurant, Ko; and the addition of cabanas and other improvements to its pool area and spa), the Sheraton Maui, the Maui Prince Hotel and the secluded Hotel Hana-Maui.
The renovations and refurbishments are just part of Maui’s ongoing effort to lure meetings business.
“I know hotels are working hard to secure business and go over and above to provide them what they need,” Risko says. “Whether it be upgrades, VIP transportation or discounted rates that the customer is looking to experience.”
The experience most groups seek when visiting Maui is centered on the rich and colorful indigenous culture—unique in the 50 states. Whether it’s as simple as a shell-lei greeting upon arrival or as exciting as an evening luau or traditional Polynesian show, Hawaiian culture is easily and frequently mixed into the agenda.
Also popular among groups are team-building activities, from kayaking and hiking to biking, with the natural beauty of the island providing a common backdrop for group activities. Eco tours are currently a big draw. Companies like Maui Eco Adventures and Maui Canyon Adventures are experienced at providing groups with memorable outings that include canyon rapelling, canyon exploration and guided hikes through Maui’s gorgeous wilderness areas. There are also many companies specializing in water adventures such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Most such excursions can include lunches and refreshments for the group as well as transportation to and from the start and end points.
And of course Maui remains unmatched for leisurely pursuits such as golfing and spa-going. The island is home to some of the world’s best golf courses and spas.
Meanwhile, groups looking to incorporate Maui’s history and culture into the agenda find no shortage of options. The former whaling village of Lahaina is one of the top cultural draws, bustling with tiny shops and lively restaurants and cafes. This is home to one of Hawaii’s most famous cultural attractions, the Old Lahaina Luau, the award-winning oceanfront event featuring traditional food and fire-wielding performances—all available for group booking.
The island’s natural history can be observed at facilities like the Schafer International Gallery, which is part of the Maui Arts & Culture Center, a facility with several event space options ranging from an amphitheater to an intimate tree-shaded courtyard. Additionally, the stunning Maui Ocean Center, with its enormous 750,000-square-foot fish tank, is an excellent meeting space and learning facility.
Lanai and Molokai
Though easily accessible from Maui by ferry, the smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai feel like they are a world away. Undeveloped and unfussy, these two intimate islands are ideal for executive retreats and team-building getaways, and they can also be visited as recreational side trips as part of a Maui-based gathering. Both islands continue to be a draw for their uniquely Hawaiian ambience.
“The magical Maui story is still very much an attraction,” Risko says. “We will always have a beautiful destination, and the culture is very much alive. There is still nothing like Hawaii. We continue to welcome people with open arms.”
The Aloha Spirit is prevalent on Molokai, where the pace is slow and the emphasis is on nature. Most groups incorporate some type of outdoor adventure into the plan on Molokai, which is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as for hiking, kayaking and eco tours. Accommodations range from private condominiums to the recently renovated Hotel Molokai, with 22 guest rooms and poolside dining. Last year, Molokai Ranch, one of the island’s biggest employers, closed several of its operations, including Molokai Lodge.
On Lanai, which remains largely free of commercialization and therefore untrammeled, the emphasis is on rejuvenation and reconnection with life’s priorities. So it is not surprising that the main accommodations here are palaces of pampering, including the luxurious 215-room Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay, home to the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele golf course. The property is still enjoying a major refurbishment completed in the past couple of years and the recent addition of a 51,000-square-foot ballroom and outdoor terrace. Also operated by Four Seasons, the 102-room Lodge at Koele features a gorgeous spa and wellness center and the famed golf course, The Experience at Koele.
Recreationally, golf shares the island with some of the best outdoor activities available anywhere, including hiking, cycling, surfing and snorkeling. Many groups also take advantage of the many available guided tours—by foot, by Jeep or by helicopter—to get a complete perspective on paradise.
For More Info
Lanai Visitors Bureau 808.565.7600 www.visitlanai.net
Maui Visitors Bureau 888.918.8444 www.mauimeetings.net
Molokai Visitors Association 808.553.3876 www.molokai-hawaii.com
