May 23, 2024
If you’re on the hunt for a conference destination that combines world-class facilities with a twist of adventure, look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii. This island paradise offers a unique blend of business and pleasure that will leave your attendees with unforgettable memories. Let’s dive in!
Where to stay and meet
- Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai: This 5-star resort offers luxury accommodation and meeting spaces. It’s perfect for those looking for a high-end experience and top-notch service.
- Fairmont Orchid: Nestled along the 32 acre coastline of Kohala, this hotel is renowned for its open-air Spa Without Walls, oceanfront dining and as a great option for larger groups with multiple spaces and idyllic sea views.
- Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort: This hideaway retreat offers a unique Hawaiian experience with its thatched-roof hale (houses) and 81 acres (about the area of a large shopping mall) of vibrant flora and greenery. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting peace and high-end luxury.
Must-see sites and unique activities
For incentive events or team-building activities to bolt on to your conferences, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has something for all attendees. Home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, this park offers a unique opportunity to see the power of nature through organized tours or a day of hikes for every level. You can check the park site for volcanic activity to see whether you are likely to witness any steam, lava flows or if eruptions are predicted.
End your event on a literal high with a sunset viewing atop Maunakea. You can arrange charter buses to the visitor center, or private 4x4 vehicles if you want to brave the peak, and in just 2 hours from most hotels you can be 14,000 feet (about 4.27 km) up for a summit view like no other.
Do note that due to its altitude, you must spend time at the rangers check-point to acclimatize for at least 30 minutes before taking the unpaved track to the very top, however the view from the ranger station is almost as impressive if you need to save some time.
As an added bonus, why not stay up there for a picnic dinner and wait for the most amazing stargazing opportunities on the planet? Your attendees will feel like they’re up in amongst the cosmos for a truly unforgettable experience in the clearest skies you can find.
Another evening activity with a difference is snorkeling with manta rays. Not as daunting as it sounds, these gentle giants will glide around serenely, almost like your own personal underwater ballet performance.
You could also experience a high of a different kind through a coffee tour and tasting. The Big Island is renowned for its coffee and a tour of a Kona coffee farm is a great way to learn about this famous brew.
And for those events where you simply don’t want to leave your luxury hotel, then why not arrange a ukulele lesson for your group, offering an opportunity for an immersion into the local music and cultural heritage of Hawaii.
Traveling to the Big Island
You can fly directly to the Big Island from most US hub airports, Tokyo, Auckland and Sydney and from most other countries with a change. You can also fly there from any of the other Hawaiian Islands for a twin-stop trip should you choose to do so. There are frequent flights daily in and out.
So, if you’re ready to shake up your usual conference routine and inject some adventure into your next event, the Big Island of Hawaii is waiting for you. With its luxurious accommodations, breathtaking sites, exciting activities, and unique cultural experiences, it’s the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. Aloha!