HONOLULU — The Hawaiian Islands continue to raise the bar for productive meetings, conventions and incentive programs held throughout the state, with newly unveiled accommodations, venues, experiences, and meaningful opportunities integrating cultural education and environmental stewardship practices. Read on to discover the latest MCI updates from the Hawaiian Islands.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra Undergoing Extensive Refurbishment (O‘ahu)
This year, the hotel is upgrading its 1,176 guest rooms and corridors with modern furniture, cabinetry, carpeting, and lighting. The project follows a 2021 renovation of the hotel’s public spaces. Work is being done floor by floor to minimize guest disruption, with completion expected by quarter four of this year. Guests can expect a smooth experience throughout the phased updates. www.alamoanahotelhonolulu.com
The Equus Hotel Completes Major Renovation (O‘ahu)
In walking distance to the Hawai‘i Convention Center, The Equus has completed extensive renovations including new executive art rooms and refreshed public space. The boutique hotel now features a collection of nine distinct executive art rooms designed with global unique furnishings and artwork. All guest rooms have energy-efficient sliding glass doors, providing superior soundproofing to enhance the guest experience. www.equushotel.com
Fairmont Orchid Completes Property Transformation (Island of Hawai‘i)
The luxury resort completed a multimillion-dollar revitalization of its guest rooms, Fairmont Gold floor, and meeting and event spaces that honor Hawaiian culture through design elements reflecting the island. Newly upgraded spaces feature refined enhancements, including contemporary lighting, refreshed carpeting and modern design elements, all crafted to accommodate events of any size. The reimagined spaces also include 32,000 square feet of redesigned indoor space and 76,000 square feet of outdoor areas offering ocean, waterfall, and garden views. www.fairmontorchid.com
Hale Piʻilani at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows Reopens After Transformation (Maui)
Hale Piʻilani reopened its doors, unveiling a reimagined space for hosting meetings and social gatherings, offering flexible configurations to accommodate up to 180 guests banquet-style or 120 in a classroom setup. Whether hosting corporate events, weddings or other celebrations, the space provides planners a blend of functionality and ambiance. www.royallahaina.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Unveils Renovated Rainbow Tower (O‘ahu)
The Rainbow Tower is a landmark structure that has welcomed global leaders, entertainers and groups for decades. Its refreshed Rainbow Kai guestrooms and new one-bedroom suites are available to book now and offer a contemporary design inspired by the sea, featuring ocean tones, natural island textures, and artwork from Hawai‘i artists. The Rainbow Tower offers easy access to Hilton Hawaiian Village’s expansive meeting and convention. In addition, the resort’s Great Lawn, a longtime favorite for oceanfront events, is undergoing a renovation, installing turf-enhancing comfort and durability for large events and gatherings. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Renovated Palace Tower (Island of Hawai‘i)
The renovations debut the Palace Tower Grand rooms, which feature new layouts, private lānai (balconies), and artwork by local artists. Ranging from 422 to 453 square feet, each room is designed to balance work and relaxation for incentive groups and conference attendees seeking comfort and convenience. The Palace Tower provides easy access to Hilton Waikoloa Village’s meeting venues, pools, restaurants, and ocean-fed lagoon. www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com
Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Ho‘opili Becomes the First Hotel in ‘Ewa Beach (O‘ahu)
This hybrid hotel is Hawai‘i’s first dual-branded Hyatt, combining 108 Hyatt Place guestrooms and 132 Hyatt House extended-stay rooms. Located in West O‘ahu (approximately 60 minutes away from Waikīkī), this will be ‘Ewa Beach’s first hotel and will be situated along the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, which offers easy access to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The property is expected to open Summer 2026. www.hyatt.com/development/explore-hotels
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, Completes Lobby Renovation (O‘ahu)
Waikīkī’s first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, is preparing for its 125th anniversary in 2026, recently celebrating a significant milestone with a major property rejuvenation. The resort’s Tower Wing and elegant historic lobby renovations debuted this summer, with its Banyan and Diamond Wings due to be finished this winter. www.moanasurfrider.com
Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel Finishes Renovation (O‘ahu)
Fully renovated with the vision of local artists and influencers, Outrigger Waikiki Paradise was reimagined with a blend of modern design and cultural heritage. The hotel’s event facilities accommodate small to medium-sized gatherings, from conferences and workshops to receptions, celebrations and banquets. The property is also situated 1.2 miles from the Hawai‘i Convention Center, near Waikīkī Beach, and adjacent to International Market Place. www.outrigger.com/hawaii/oahu/outrigger-waikiki-paradise-hotel/meetings
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Debuts Multimillion-Dollar Renewal (O‘ahu)
The renewal features refreshed ‘Ewa Tower guest rooms, front desk, and both infinity pools, and debuts The Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection, featuring three signature suites. The property also introduced Solera, a new dining concept offering Hawai‘i regional cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Furthering its commitment to celebrating its home island, the hotel now offers “O‘ahu Reimagined: A Journey Through Hawaiian Heritage,” a cultural program that includes a hibiscus tea welcome experience by local tea educator Kathy YL Chan and a nightly “My Story of O‘ahu” sunset chant led by Hawaiian language students. www.ritzcarlton.com
Romer House Waikīkī Welcomes Groups, From Intimate Celebrations to Buyouts (O‘ahu)
The property offers 179 mid-century modern–inspired rooms, many with lānai (balconies). From intimate celebrations to full buyouts, the property’s culinary team and staff is ready to work with planners. Dining venues include 855-ALOHA for group dining or private use up to 150 guests; The Lei Stand Waikīkī, a cocktail lounge with DJs and handcrafted drinks for up to 45 guests; and The Backyard, an outdoor lounge with cabanas, swings, and a wading pool with room for social events of up to 125 guests. www.romerhousewaikiki.com
Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort Unveils Transformation (Kaua‘i)
The oceanfront property recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation honoring its legacy and introducing modern amenities. Guests will encounter reimagined guest rooms, refreshed dining concepts like the newly redesigned Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach and Kai’s Bar, a revitalized open-air lobby, and one of Hawai‘i’s largest single-level pools. The resort also debuted a new Thursday night lū‘au, “Drums and Dances of Polynesia,” celebrating the island’s vibrant cultural traditions. www.sonesta.com
VENUES
53 By The Sea Offers Scenic Views of Lē‘ahi & Waikīkī (O‘ahu)
Located along the Honolulu waterfront near Kewalo Basin, the property offers scenic views of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument) and Waikīkī. 53 By The Sea provides planners with a versatile venue suited for everything from intimate celebrations to large-scale receptions. www.53bythesea.com
Deck. Features Open-Air Dining & Event Space (O‘ahu)
Located on the third floor of Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel, Deck. is an open-air dining and event venue offering unobstructed views of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument). With its modern island-inspired design and versatile spaces, Deck. accommodates incentive gatherings, private events, and weddings. Its Lē‘ahi Room is a bright, private space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Complementing the venue’s spaces is cuisine crafted from fresh, locally inspired ingredients. www.deckwaikiki.com
Limelight Hawaii Opens, A New Dinner Entertainment Venue (O‘ahu)
Opening at the end of 2025 in the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, Limelight Hawaii will be a new dinner entertainment venue and showroom with state-of-the-art technology. The flexible space is designed to host meetings, concerts, special events, and immersive experiences. It also offers a variety of banquet options to cater to private events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. www.limelighthawaii.com
Maui Brewing Company Waikīkī Elevates Meetings With a New Group Offering (O‘ahu)
Maui Brewing Company Waikīkī debuts its new Come Together Package, offering flexible spaces for up to 550 guests, alongside its popular Ho‘olaule‘a Package, featuring buffet-style dining in open-air venues. Both packages pair craft-driven menus and Hawai‘i’s largest selection of local beer on tap with the vibrant energy of Waikīkī. Designed for groups, the packages deliver turnkey experiences from intimate receptions to full restaurant buyouts. www.mbcrestaurants.com/waikiki
Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Offers Oceanfront Naupaka Lawn (Maui)
The Naupaka Lawn at Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is an oceanfront venue accommodating gatherings up to 30 guests for events, such as corporate receptions. The resort’s team helps with all details, from catering menus and seating arrangements to accommodations for the group. www.outrigger.com/hawaii/maui/kaanapali-beach-resort-hotel/weddings
Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa Offers Indoor & Outdoor Event Space (Kaua‘i)
This 25-acre oceanfront property offers over 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space — including its 8,611-square-foot Jasmine Ballroom, courtyards, poolside terraces, and oceanfront lawn — the resort can accommodate various celebrations, from corporate receptions to milestone events. The resort’s culinary team is ready to tailor menus to match event planner visions, offering everything from elegant sit-down buffets to casual lū‘au. www.outrigger.com/hawaii/kauai/outrigger-kauai-beach-resort-spa/meetings
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa Features Versatile Spaces for Groups (Island of Hawai‘i)
The 22-acre oceanfront resort features over 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including courtyards, oceanfront lawns, and the largest conference center on the Kailua-Kona coast. The Kaleiopapa Convention Center offers a 2,970-square-foot ballroom, expansive pre-function space, a foyer, and a fully equipped kitchen to accommodate conferences, receptions, and banquets. With three oceanfront breakout rooms, modern amenities, and curated banquet services, the resort can host a range of retreats, events, and celebrations. The property also features newly renovated guestrooms and cultural programming. www.outrigger.com/kona
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Creates Events for Groups (O‘ahu)
The resort offers over 5,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, providing settings for intimate gatherings and special celebrations. Events can be enhanced with performances at the resort’s Kani Ka Pila Grille or customized experiences, from storytelling to hula and lei-making workshops, at the A‘o Cultural Center. The premium Voyager 47 Club Lounge provides space for receptions and features ocean views. Other outdoor areas can accommodate events near the beach. www.outrigger.com/hawaii/oahu/outrigger-reef-waikiki-beach-resort/meetings
Wailea Beach Resort Elevates Group Offerings (Maui)
Wailea Beach Resort spans 22 acres and features 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, a catering team served by local farmers, and private dining options. The resort spotlights a collection of bespoke experiences—guests can participate in guided sound healing journeys, oceanfront yoga, fitness classes, and immersive workshops in lei making or hula with cultural advisors. New wellness walks invite groups to explore the resort’s landscape with mindful breathwork woven into the experience. www.waileabeachresort.com
AGRICULTURE AND CUISINE
Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar Features Private Event Space (O‘ahu)
Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar blends rustic Italian flavors with a modern island touch and accommodates private events, group dining, and catering. With a menu of artisanal Neapolitan-style kiawe wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and curated wine list, Appetito welcomes planners looking to put together everything from intimate dinners to large-scale functions. The restaurant features a private event space for corporate functions or incentive group dinners. With flexible menus crafted around seasonal ingredients, Appetito also offers customizable catering solutions designed to meet the needs of convention groups and intimate gatherings. www.appetitowaikiki.com
Cooking Kaua‘i Serves Up Culinary Adventures at The Shops at Kukuiʻula (Kaua‘i)
Cooking Kaua‘i invites guests to explore local flavors through two unique, food-focused experiences. The Corner Store Cooking Experience offers hands-on lessons in preparing and sampling local favorites, while the Farmers Market Tasting Experience includes a guided tour of the weekly Culinary Marketplace at The Shops at Kukuiʻula. www.cookingkauai.com
Kō Hana Distillers Invites Groups to Learn About Its Farm-To-Bottle Rum (O‘ahu)
This award-winning distillery is committed to producing a 100% Hawaiʻi-made product, Kō Hana grows cultivates the heirloom sugar cane used to craft its agricole rums on O‘ahu. Groups can experience its story firsthand on a visit to the distillery. www.kohanarum.com
Kona Salt Farm Launches New MCI Experiences (Island of Hawai‘i)
Launching in 2025, groups can enjoy new on- or off-site experiences, such as the Kona Pure Hydration Lounge with tastings and a refill station, Deep Ocean Magnesium Recovery Breaks, Guided Salt Tastings with storytelling, Bathing-Salt Making for a take-home amenity, and the Kona Deep Ocean Bar featuring Ocean Vodka cocktails, magnesium mocktails, sparkling mineral waters, and more. www.konaseasalt.com
Lydgate Farms Debuts Hands-On Honey Tour (Kaua‘i)
Lydgate Farms launched Inside the Hive: Honey & Bee Tour, an immersive honey farm and tasting tour, offering groups a hands-on, two-hour experience complete with the donning of full bee suits. The tour guides participants on a journey from bees to hives to honey, with tastings along the way—including fresh honeycomb pulled straight from the hive. www.lydgatefarms.com
Maui Chocolate Tour Launches New Cacao Farm Experience With Treehouse Lunch (Maui)
Maui Chocolate Tour recently launched the Cacao Farm Tour and Treehouse Lunch, a new experience for groups at Ku‘ia Estates. During the two-hour tour, guests learn about the journey of cacao, from tree to chocolate bar, and enjoy a curated tasting of nine varieties of award-winning Maui Ku‘ia Estates chocolate and a catered lunch within the treehouse. www.mauichocolatetour.com
Maui Ocean Center Unveils New Dinner Show at Seascape (Maui)
Maui Ocean Center’s new dinner show at Seascape restaurant features an international-themed overlooking scenic Māʻalaea Harbor, followed by a multicultural dance performance that highlights the cultures that migrated to the Hawaiian Islands. www.mauioceancenter.com
Maui Pineapple Tour’s Newest Offering: The Planting Experience (Maui)
Group attendees can suit up in custom chaps, plant their very own pineapple, and become a Maui Gold Pineapple farmer for a day. During the guided tour, participants will learn about the pineapple growing process and taste fresh pineapples at the working pineapple farm. At the end of the experience, they’ll receive an exclusive “Certified Maui Pineapple Farmer” badge and a Maui Gold pineapple to take home and enjoy. www.mauipineappletour.com
Prince Waikiki Launches Culinary Program for Groups (O‘ahu)
Prince Waikiki recently launched a culinary program designed exclusively for meetings and groups, centering on a collection of bespoke food and beverage experiences featuring Hawai‘i’s agriculture. Highlights of the hotel’s new customizable culinary offerings include artisanal hors d’oeuvres, The Mimosa Bar, and The Wellness Juice Bar. www.princewaikiki.com
Scotty Browns Makes Hawai‘i Debut at The Shops at Kukuiʻula (Kaua‘i)
Scotty Browns Restaurant and Bar is now open at The Shops at Kukuiʻula in Kōloa, marking the brand’s debut Hawai‘i location. The 3,400-square-foot open-air restaurant features a globally inspired menu blending comfort food classics with modern touches, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients. www.scottybrownshi.com
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Welcomes Private Events (O‘ahu, Maui)
With locations in Waikīkī on O‘ahu and Wailea on Maui, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse welcomes planners for private events. Known for its signature USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, Wolfgang’s also curates specialty menus for every occasion. Each location features versatile private event spaces designed to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to grand receptions, providing planners with flexibility and convenience. www.wolfgangssteakhouse.jp/waikiki/en
CORPORATE GIFTING
Diamond Bakery Offers Hawai‘i Favors & Gifts for Groups (O‘ahu)
A local supplier since 1921, Diamond Bakery provides Hawai‘i-made favors, welcome bags, and attendee gifts. The brand customizes its products for conventions, incentive programs, and corporate events. Guests can also visit the company’s Kalihi factory shop on weekdays for a glimpse of its operations. www.diamondbakery.com
Give the Corporate Gift of Maui Gold Pineapples (Maui)
Corporate meeting and incentive planners can give clients the gift of fresh Maui Gold pineapples, every day of the year. Farm-grown on the slopes of Haleakalā volcano, Maui Gold pineapples are available for shipment in two-pack or four-pack boxes or 25-pound cases. Its pineapples are handpicked, packed fresh, and shipped directly from Maui. They can be shipped to multiple recipients accompanied by custom gift messages. www.mauipineapplestore.com
Kamaka Hawai‘i Offers ‘Ukulele for Distinguished Guests (O‘ahu)
Founded in 1916, Kamaka Hawai‘i is one of the Islands’ most storied and respected manufacturers of ‘ukulele, which groups may offer as meaningful corporate gifts, awards, or keepsakes for distinguished guests. Family-owned and -operated for three generations, the workshop welcomes groups for complimentary factory tours, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craft and history. www.kamakahawaii.com
ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
Hawaii Forest & Trail Expands Line-Up of Eco-Adventures (Island of Hawai‘i)
Hawaii Forest & Trail is expanding its portfolio of private and custom eco-adventures designed for incentive and corporate groups. From stargazing on Maunakea volcano to swimming at secluded waterfalls through private land partnerships, Hawaii Forest & Trail’s interpretive naturalist guides create experiences with knowledge of the island’s landscapes and history. The tailored experiences and only-in-Hawai‘i adventures can also be offered as awards to top company performers. www.hawaii-forest.com
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Launches The Palace Genki Toss (Maui)
During this interactive activity, groups create and toss genki balls—mud balls made from clay, minerals and beneficial microbes—into the ocean to help purify the water, reduce harmful algae, and support coral reef health. The hands-on experience, led by the resort’s landscape manager, reflects the Hyatt Regency Maui’s commitment to mālama ʻāina (to care for the land) and provides a way for visitors to engage with the environment. The resort also offers plant tours, pickleball, cultural classes, and wellness experiences. www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-us/oggrm-hyatt-regency-maui-resort-and-spa
Imu Mea ‘Ai Food Tour (Island of Hawai‘i)
Immerse your group in an authentic cultural adventure with the Imu Mea ‘Ai four-hour immersive food tour. Guests begin with oli (a chant) and Hawaiian protocol, help build an imu (underground oven), then unpack the oven to share in a communal homestyle meal. It’s an experiential blend of hands-on learning, food, and connection. www.imumeaai.com
Journey Through Hawai‘i in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana Production (O‘ahu)
Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana is a cultural and artistic production fusing Cirque’s signature artistry with Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage, offering audiences a journey through the stories, traditions and beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Held exclusively at the custom-designed Outrigger Theater at the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel and available for groups, Hawai‘i’s first resident Cirque du Soleil production offers acrobatics, comedy, hula, and music in a celebration of Hawai‘i. Tickets are on sale for performances scheduled through the end of 2026. www.cirquedusoleil.com/auana
Kohala Zipline Welcomes Incentive & Corporate Groups (Island of Hawai‘i)
Operating with safety standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology, Kohala Zipline offers group planners a thrilling, team-bonding adventure. Kohala Zipline’s group experiences also offer complimentary group photo packages and a commitment to sustainability. www.kohalazipline.com
Maui Ocean Center Launches Immersive Visual & Musical Performance (Maui)
“Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience” at Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater is an immersive visual and musical journey showcasing dancers and musicians and led by Maui-based musician Eric Gilliom. Offered on most Tuesday and Saturday events, the 16-song show begins with the song, “Haleakalā,” featuring footage of Maui’s dormant volcano, before heading to the depths of the ocean with songs about marine plants and wayfinding. Guests are offered complimentary appetizers and soft drinks before the show at the on-site Seascape restaurant. www.mauioceancenter.com
Rock ‘N Range at Ocean Course Hōkūala (Kaua‘i)
Meeting planners are invited to create their unique events at Ocean Course Hōkūala on Kaua‘i. Rock ‘N Range at the Ocean Course Hōkūala driving range offers food, drinks, and entertainment for golfers and non-golfers and accommodates groups of 50 to 300 attendees. www.golfhokuala.com/corporate-social-events
Sheraton Maui Engages Attendees through Cultural Experiences (Maui)
Sheraton Maui offers meeting and event attendees opportunities to connect with Hawai‘i through tailored, immersive cultural experiences. Lei-making workshops allow guests to craft their own floral garlands while learning the meaning behind each flower. Private lūʻau bring groups together under the stars with traditional hula, live Hawaiian music and a feast of island-inspired cuisine. www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnmsi-sheraton-maui-resort-and-spa/events
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Offers New Yoga Experiences (O‘ahu)
The resort has introduced Floating Yoga, a stand-up paddleboard yoga experience. Led by certified instructors and capped at eight participants, sessions offer an energizing way to start the day or a memorable way to wind down, including Sunrise Flow, featuring gentle sun salutations and core stretches on anchored paddleboards, and Glow Flow, a moonlit, LED-lit session with restorative poses, ocean breezes, and sparkling city views. www.sheratonwaikiki.247activities.com
The Spa at Royal Lahaina, A New Wellness Experience on Maui (Maui)
The newly opened Spa at Royal Lahaina is an oceanfront sanctuary that features private treatment suites, a beachfront open-air treatment room, a nail salon, beauty bar, and services ranging from signature facials to restorative massages. www.royallahaina.com
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About Meet Hawaiʻi
Meet Hawaiʻi is a collaboration of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and the Hawaiʻi Convention Center (HCC) to reinforce the brand of the Hawaiian Islands as a world-class destination for global business meetings, conventions and incentive programs. The Global MCI efforts of the Meet Hawaiʻi team are overseen and funded by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the State of Hawaiʻi’s agency responsible for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner. HTA works with the community and industry to mālama Hawai‘i — care for our beloved home. For information about Meet Hawaiʻi and the hosting of meetings, conventions and incentives, please visit MeetHawaii.com.
Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Lāna‘i). However, HVCB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
Media Contacts:
Lei-Ann Field
Senior Director, Visitor PR and Communications
Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau
lfield@hvcb.org
(808) 924-0208
Erin Khan
Senior Vice President, Public Relations
Anthology FINN Partners
erin.khan@finnpartners.com
(808) 539-3428