Whether it’s gazing at the stars with an astronomer, sampling goat cheese at a hillside dairy farm or hiking through a rainforest, Maui offers countless ways for groups to go beyond the usual resort experience, says Kurt Wright, president of The Wright Company (www.thewrightcompany.com), a Maui-based DMC.
“These days people want activities that are more relevant and significant than going on a helicopter tour,” says Wright, who founded his company, which also offers conference planning services, almost 20 years ago. “They want to be a part of the island, as opposed to just seeing it from 10,000 feet.”
When it comes to showing groups an expected side of Maui, Wright likes to showcase the island’s growing number of specialty farms, producing everything from fragrant lavender to organic greens and exotic fruits. Among his favorites is the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, where visitors not only enjoy samples among the farm’s 25 varieties of cheese, but can try their hand at milking and feeding the goats.
“There’s a lot of interest in the farm-to-table concept—people really want to enjoy the local cuisine and see where it comes from,” Wright says. “You can tour a farm, pick the salad greens and then enjoy a chef-prepared lunch.”
For a more traditional food-related experience, Wright recommends the Feast of Lele, an upscale luau on the beach featuring dance and foods and entertainment from the islands of Polynesia.
“It’s a gourmet experience, with the foods served in courses,” he says. “The entertainment ties into the courses, whether it’s from Samoa or the Cook Islands. And, since it’s in the heart of Lahaina, people can walk around the town afterwards.”
When it comes to a dazzling setting for an outdoor event, Wright likes to use Molokini Gardens high above the golf courses at the Wailea Resort. With views stretching all the way to the offshore islet of Molokini, the setting is ideal for large gatherings of almost any kind, he says.
“We’ve done ’80s theme parties, drive-in movies, elegant dinners—it lends itself to almost any kind of concept,” Wright says. “In particular, it’s great for star-gazing events, with astronomers and telescopes. The night skies are incredible here.”
Day trips to Lanai are another popular option, usually including a snorkel cruise with lunch on a catamaran operated by Trilogy Excursions, which also has an event pavilion on the island. Groups can also take a ferry to Lanai from Lahaina, a 45-minute ride.
“We’re taking groups to Lanai quite frequently—there’s so much to do there,” Wright says. “The golf courses are incredible, and there’s clay shooting, horseback riding, hiking or you can do a road rally around the island.”
