Tourists travel the world over to visit Maui when they’re after a laid-back and invigorating vacation complete with brilliant hues of blue and green, sea turtles, gentle waves, palm trees and hula dancers in grass skirts.
Likewise, a meeting itinerary that celebrates relaxation and rejuvenation is a snap for planners who are bringing groups to the island.
Mixing business with pleasure—namely spa services, yoga classes and unique outdoor and cultural adventures—is one of the best reasons to consider Maui for memorable get-togethers.
Spa-Going
If throwing a towel on the sand to soak up some rays and enjoy a tropical cocktail or two doesn’t fill the relaxation quota for attendees, planners might also book group time at the spa.
According to Sherry Duong, director of meetings, conventions, incentives and international sales at the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau (MVCB), many of the island’s meetings-friendly resorts offer refreshing spa services, including The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; Four Seasons Maui at Wailea; Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; Hyatt Regency Maui; Makena Beach and Golf Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Sheraton Maui; Wailea Beach Marriott; and Westin Maui.
“They all work with groups in terms of a theme or cocktail receptions if that is what they’re looking for,” she says.
One such resort where planners can mix a cocktail reception with spa time is The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, where Megan Haertling, spokeswoman for the property, says signature treatments include the Lomilomi massage, which uses ancient Hawaiian traditional forearm strokes to apply medium pressure, and the Ocean Radiance Facial, an anti-aging service that uses protein-rich caviar.
The staff at the Hyatt Regency Maui’s Spa Moana gives planners the option to tailor their group’s spa experience to fit specific needs via a selection of a la carte spa options such as traditional Lomilomi massage and the volcanic detox wrap, according to Nate Hardesty, director of sales and marketing at the resort.
Signature Hawaiian-inspired treatments at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua include the Lomilomi hot stone massage.
“We can also provide quick chair massages for the neck and back in-between meeting sessions,” says Deanna Miller, spokeswoman at the property.
Similarly, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa can arrange quick services from its Heavenly Spa in conjunction with an after-dinner gathering.
“In the past, the resort has arranged a dessert spa treat, where participants enjoy dinner desserts and mini spa treatments such as chair massage and hand pampering services within the expansive spa relaxation lounge overlooking Ka’anapali Beach,” says Samantha Spurgeon, director of sales and marketing at the resort. PageBreak
Exploring
Exploration on Maui is an invigorating and oftentimes transformational experience, and it doesn’t have to be vigorous. There are many cultural and adventurous ways to get out and learn about the island while keeping the meeting itinerary relaxing and stress-free.
Much like blueberries in Maine and oranges in Florida, pineapples are synonymous with Hawaii and a tour celebrating them is always a hit with groups.
“Nowhere else in the United States can you go on a pineapple tour,” says Tara A. O’Brien, sales and marketing manager at Kapalua Adventures, which facilitates the Maui Pineapple Tour. “Some people think pineapples grow on trees, in the ground or are an experimental combination of a pinecone and an apple. This tour not only educates a person on the unique agricultural way we end up with a pineapple, but it also is a bit of a history lesson into the island of Maui itself.”
The tour includes some walking and also time on the Pineapple Bus, which takes groups onto acres of pineapple plants in varying stages of growth.
“These stages of growth then come to life as our Pineapple Guide wields a machete to slice and dice pineapples picked right from the field for everyone to try,” O’Brien says. “Find out which stage of pineapple is your favorite when it comes to taste.”
If planners choose, O’Brien says they could add a gourmet lunch at Bev Gannon’s Hali’imaile General Store Restaurant, which is a favorite among Maui locals. Guests are greeted with a refreshing pineapple lemonade, a plethora of dining choices and a pineapple dessert.
At many of the island’s resorts, there are uniquely Hawaiian group activities that allow them to explore and learn without going far.
A favorite at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa is the S’mores & Stargazing event, during which a local astronomy expert arranges a gigantic telescope for clear viewing of the various constellations.
“Add Hawaiian s’mores by the poolside with freshly cut pineapples, candied fruit, chocolate and marshmallows, and you’ll have an unforgettable evening under the stars,” Spurgeon says.
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa also offers a sky-inspired event, Tour of the Stars, a rooftop astronomy program that encourages participants to learn to interpret the sky, according to Hardesty.
“Additional activities are rooted in the culture of Hawaii,” he says, citing hula demonstrations, lei making, a wildlife tour and an award-winning on-site luau. “These are ideal for meeting attendees looking for an authentic island experience.”
Most of the island’s group-friendly resorts also offer superb luaus, another relaxing way to absorb the local culture. Standout off-site luaus are also an option, including Old Lahaina Luau and the Feast of Lele. PageBreak
Posing and Om’ing
For yoga and meditation experiences, groups needn’t look further than home base resorts, which accommodate the need for stretching and mindfulness.
At the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, for example, the Mind & Body Studio offers wellness classes that include yoga, fitness and Hawaiian meditation.
“The uplifting and mindful approach of Hawaiian meditation will mentally walk participants through Maui’s serene settings with a focus on posture and breathing to help heighten awareness and quiet the mind,” Spurgeon says. “With the resort situated alongside the legendary Ka’anapali Beach, sunset beach yoga is another favorite.”
The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui also offers sunset yoga for groups, either poolside or at the beach, as well as private meditation lessons.
“We recommend meditation classes prior to yoga in the morning to clear participants’ minds for the day,” Haertling says. “Meditation breaks are available throughout the day, if requested.”
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa also offers yoga and meditation classes, as does The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where laughing yoga and a traditional Hawaiian ceremony called E Ala E are popular.
“The ceremony is performed at sunrise, and once the first colors of the sun are seen upon the sky, the ceremony is over and participants are released to begin a new phase in their goals,” Miller says.
Dabbling in fine arts is considered meditative by some, and to that end the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, offers a number of classes, including outdoor painting and photography. PageBreak
Soft Adventuring
A relaxing and rejuvenating itinerary wouldn’t be complete without at least one pursuit that’s intriguing to active group attendees.
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP), according to Tom Ockerman, owner of Tiki Man Stand Up Paddle, has a special connection to Maui.
“Although SUP is now enjoyed in lakes, rivers and oceans around the world, it originated in Hawaii and actually became popularized on Maui,” he says. “In the 1990s, famed ‘extreme surfers’ and Maui residents, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, started using paddles with their surfboards just for the fun of it. That got the attention of the surfing world.”
Ockerman adds that SUP is like “stand up snorkeling” in that participants are gliding over the surface of the ocean and can see everything below in Maui’s clear waters.
“It’s beautiful,” he says, explaining that Tiki Man’s 90-minute lesson includes instruction on mounting the board, proper foot positioning and paddle stroking. “There’s great camaraderie in joining your fellow students as you all make those first awkward attempts, fall off the board a couple times, laugh, climb back on, then finally stand up and glide across the water together.”
Meanwhile, Hawaiian outrigger canoe opportunities are available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, and at Grand Wailea.
According to Christina Yumul, spokeswoman for Grand Wailea, canoeing participants learn about techniques used by Polynesian voyagers.
“Cultural guides will share traditional chants, called oli, ancient myths, legends and historical facts,” she says.
And according to the MVCB, Fun Charters Maui’s Kaha Loa vessel, a 26-foot Glacier Bay luxury power catamaran, is available for private tours for small groups. Outings include snorkeling, whale watching, fishing and scuba diving.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus West.
