Engaging, participatory experiences that delve deep into Hawaii’s traditions and natural wonders are a large part of the reason those attending meetings on Maui, Molokai and Lanai come away with a sense of inspiration and renewal.
These experiences are found everywhere, from Maui’s most sophisticated resorts to the pristine beaches and rustic ranchlands of Molokai and Lanai.
Here are a few of the ways that groups can tap into the islands’ essence.
Cultural Connections
“A lot of groups coming to Hawaii want to leave a lasting legacy behind and really dive into the culture,” says Clifford Naeole, who has served as cultural advisor for The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua for nearly 20 years, educating guests and employees on Hawaiian customs and protocol.
One of the many ways Naeole works to give attendees “a sense of place” is by leading tours of the resort, which borders an ancient burial ground. The unique tours focus on everything from Hawaiian history to the use of native plants for medicinal purposes. He also makes presentations showing how business groups can gain insight from ancient Hawaiian navigational techniques and other traditions.
In addition, Naeole designs team-building and volunteer programs that get groups out into the local community. They include an ongoing program for Mitsubishi that divides the group into various teams, engaging them in such activities as working at a local school, planting taro, beach clean-up or restoring a temple. PageBreak
Underwater Whale Wonders
Every winter and spring thousands of migrating humpback whales are drawn to the channel between Maui and Molokai and Lanai. Taking advantage of its vantage point on this annual spectacle that can last from December to May, the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea has developed signature ways for guests to enjoy the giant mammals from new angles.
Among them is the hotel spa’s new Wai Vari water treatment performed by specialist massage therapists in the warm ocean waters of Wailea Beach. Designed to relieve stress, the 25-minute treatment enables participants to hear the whales singing underwater during the experience.
Another perspective is provided by brothers Dan and John Cesere, Maui-based photographers in residence at the Four Seasons who are known for their underwater photography and videos of humpback whales. The Ceseres’ work provides data for the Keiki Kohola Project, a research foundation that studies the behavior of humpback whale calves in Hawaiian waters.
“Our challenge is to get close enough to capture detailed images of whales using video and still photography while not disturbing mom and baby during the nursing season,” Dan Cesere says.
The brothers display their photographs and give weekly talks about their work and observations during the winter at the resort.
“We can arrange for the Cesere brothers to meet with groups, and their incredible photographs make amazing gifts for attendees,” says Crissa Haranga, a spokeswoman for the resort.
Home-Grown Entertainment
Hawaiian entertainment doesn’t get more authentic than at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, where the Aloha Pavilion is the scene of weekly performances by Grammy award-winning slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. and other masters of the iconic Hawaiian instrument. The weekly concert series includes dinner at the resort’s Sea Horse restaurant followed by a performance by Kahumoku, accompanied by Da Ukulele Boyz and guest artists such as steel guitarist Bobby Igano and vocalist Richard Hoopii.
“Along with his scheduled performances, which draw a lot of locals as well as guests, George frequently provides entertainment for private events and shares his knowledge of Hawaiian music,” says Candy Aluli, spokeswoman for the resort.
Another entertainment staple at the resort is charming Polynesian song and dance performances by children from the Napili Kai Foundation, an organization set up by the hotel in the 1960s to instruct young people in Hawaiian cultural traditions. Originally intended for the children of hotel employees, the foundation now draws young participants from across West Maui. PageBreak
Local Festivities
No matter when a meeting takes place on Maui, the odds are there is a local festival going on. The island calendar is filled with celebrations that give visitors a chance to mingle with local people and enjoy foods and entertainment outside of a purely tourist environment.
Among them are Maui Friday Town Parties, the result of an initiative by the Maui Office of Economic Development to showcase the island’s historic towns along with local art, music, food and culture. The weekly events take place on rotating Fridays in Wailuku, Lahaina, Makawao and Kihei, with galleries and boutiques open for extended hours. Live music, historic home tours, craft demonstrations and bake sales are part of the fun.
One of Maui’s newest festivals is Kaanapali Fresh held at the Kaanapali Resort the last weekend in August. Celebrating the local culinary scene, the festival is filled with farm-to-table food events, mixology and cooking demonstrations, and celebrity entertainment. Among the highlights is the Grown on Maui Farmers Market, where guests can meet farmers, fishermen and ranchers from all over the island and sample everything from Maui-grown coffee to dragon fruit and sugar cane.
“We really encourage groups who are meeting on Maui during Kaanapali Fresh to include some of the activities into their program,” says Shelley Kekuna, executive director of the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association.
Sail and Safari on Lanai
The secluded beaches and forested uplands of Lanai are the backdrop for sailing and Jeep safari outings for groups organized by Trilogy Excursions. Groups on Maui can charter one or more catamarans for a sailing trip to Lanai where local guides will take them on a scavenger hunt through the back country and out to Shipwreck Beach. The return to Maui is via a leisurely sunset sail.
“Groups get a true private island experience on Lanai,” says LiAnne Coon, sales and marketing manager for Trilogy Excursions. “The scavenger hunts are a great way to learn about and experience the island and go to places where there will be no one else on the beach.”
Retreat to Molokai
Groups looking for a secluded atmosphere will find it at Puu O Hoku Ranch, a working cattle ranch and organic vegetable farm set on 14,000 acres of protected land along the undeveloped southern coast of Molokai.
“It’s a wonderful place for a corporate retreat,” says Judy Bicoy, director of the Destination Molokai Visitors Bureau. “It’s one of the few places where you can feel Hawaii as it once was—where the only lights are the stars.”
Puu O Hoku offers a main lodge and cottages hosting groups of up to 34 people, with amenities that include Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, yoga deck, informal meeting spaces and meals prepared with ingredients grown on the property. Activities include guided horseback rides, Hawaiian music performances, cultural hikes, yoga classes and tours of the ranching and farming operations.
Maria Lenhart has visited Maui many times and especially likes exploring the upcountry towns. She also enjoys the old-time Hawaiian feel of Molokai and Lanai.
