May 30, 2024
Aloha, event profs! If you are considering the tropical paradise of Hawaii for your next event, then you and your group are in for a treat if you choose the island of Maui. For an island less than 50 miles across, it offers a uniquely diverse blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities, making it ideal for events that will inspire attendees long after they have arrived back home. Let’s explore what Maui has to offer.
The Valley Isle
While it is the second largest of the Hawaiian archipelago, in just a couple of hours drive you can experience Maui’s sunny and protected western shores, it’s volcanic center and its tropical wet and rocky Northeast Coast with its bucket-list ‘Road to Hana’.
Sadly, Maui was devastated by fires at the end of 2023, but in our opinion that makes it even more worthwhile to invest in an event there as it will help support the local communities to build back better and stay #MauiStrong as they refer to it. Only the areas around Lahaina are closed, leaving most of the island in its original beautiful condition for everyone to enjoy. They only ask that visitors respect that they prefer not to discuss the fires and their effects, as so many were affected by the tragic event.
Hotels and venues
Maui offers a range of hotels and venues to suit every event type and format. Wailea offers the largest selection of the large chain properties including the recently refurbished Fairmont Kea Lani to the Four Seasons next door, or for a different setting again, head to the Ritz-Carlton situated in Kapalua on the north-west peninsula.
For venues, most hotels have a range of indoor and outdoor spaces due to the fact the weather is almost always warm and sunny. Do note however that alcohol cannot be served or consumed in public parks or on beaches. Most venues have indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking the ocean so it’s not generally an issue. If a hotel is a bit too ordinary, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center has great meeting space. Or you could surround your attendees with marine wildlife at the Ocean Center. For a more relaxed setting, the Maui Brewing Company also offer private space for up to 300 participants.
Activities
Depending on your needs, Maui has it all covered. From spa and beach days to hiking, biking and zip-lining. Explore Maui’s pineapple plantations and hear about the history of Maui Gold or visit the Sugar Museum for some cultural information around what Maui’s agriculture was founded on. Hire several Jeeps and drive your team along the Road to Hana for breath-taking views. Take in the majestic turtles resting on the black volcanic sand beaches or stop for photos in front of the hundreds of waterfalls you will pass by.
Road to Hana
Maui whale watching tour
Maui snorkling
For those looking for a truly unique experience that isn’t for the faint of heart, why not organize a sunrise viewing from the top of the Haleakala Volcano. Better still, a doors-off helicopter tour of the island will really appeal to the adrenaline junkies in the group. For others, the snorkeling, diving and whale-watching trips - often nick-named ‘whale-soup tours’ due to the sheer volume of whales you can see - are just enough excitement.
Beautiful all year round, Maui can be expensive and does book up fast in summer and during peak whale-watching seasons. Nevertheless, it is always possible to get a deal if you plan to travel outside the peak seasons.
Most US hubs fly direct to Maui, and you can also fly direct from Tokyo, Auckland and Sydney. Most travelers are likely to have to change, and it can be a long way for many travelers, but with the rise of attendees wanting to extend their stays, who wouldn’t see the appeal in exploring Hawaii, possibly even island hopping to Hawaii’s Big Island? Maui truly is home to some of the world’s most beautiful sites and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.