FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 March, 2026

WHAT’S NEW IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FOR
MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS AND INCENTIVE GROUPS
Spring 2026 Update

HONOLULU – Continually transforming and innovating as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and incentive groups, the Hawaiian Islands provide an unmatched offering of new accommodations, venues, experiences and opportunities to mālama (care for) Hawai‘i’s communities. Read on to discover the latest MCI updates from the Hawaiian Islands.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa Debuts Casamigos House of Friends (O‘ahu)
Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa has opened Casamigos House of Friends, an exclusive 37th-floor lounge offering panoramic skyline views of Waikīkī alongside breathtaking sunset and ocean vistas. The venue provides a sophisticated yet relaxed environment perfect for incentive groups and post-meeting networking, allowing guests to engage in conversation while enjoying a curated selection of cocktails. Open daily from 4 to 9 p.m. to both hotel guests and the public, the lounge complements the resort's existing sanctuary-inspired offerings, such as the recently opened Asana Spa on the Diamond Head side of the property. This new elevated space provides a unique atmospheric option for planners looking to host intimate social gatherings or high-end receptions in the heart of Waikīkī. www.hilton.com 

Historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Completes $180 Million Transformation (Island of Hawai‘i)

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has completed a transformative $180 million renovation in time for its 60th anniversary, revitalizing the iconic property. The extensive project included a redesign of all 252 guest rooms and suites, the lobby, the Mauna Kea Golf Course, and the resort’s signature dining venues. For incentive groups and wellness-focused retreats, the resort introduced a new destination spa, a 2,500-square-foot fitness center, and an adults-only infinity pool, alongside expansive garden spaces dedicated to preserving traditions through the restoration of the hotel's historic art collection. Culinary offerings have been elevated with the re-concepted Hau Tree Cantina and the reopened Manta restaurant, which features fresh bounty from the on-site ‘Ulu Garden, providing a premier setting for corporate gatherings that prioritize environmental stewardship and local sustainability. www.maunakearesort.com

Exclusive Group Booking Perks for Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa’s Celebration of their 125th Anniversary (O‘ahu)

Groups can gather where generations have found inspiration along the shores of O‘ahu. As the “First Lady of Waikiki” celebrates 125 years, they have unveiled a renewed Moana Surfrider, beautifully blending historic charm with contemporary refinement. To mark this milestone, groups booking 2026 programs are invited to enjoy exclusive perks that elevate every gathering. With refreshed rooms, classic spaces and our signature sense of place, there’s no better moment to host your next event at the Moana Surfrider, where timeless elegance meets modern Hawai‘i luxury. To start planning, visit www.thewaikikicollection.com/start-planning

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Completes Comprehensive Guestroom Renovation (Island of Hawai‘i)
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has unveiled a full renovation of its 297 guestrooms, featuring a refreshed design that honors the legacy of the island’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The redesign utilizes a palette of coastal hues, organic textures, and warm wood tones, complemented by island-inspired artwork reflecting the surrounding ocean and land. Situated oceanfront along ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay, the resort offers MCI groups a premier destination with easy access to outdoor teambuilding activities and the nearby Kings’ Shops for dining and cultural immersion. This revitalization enhances the resort's appeal for incentive programs seeking a sophisticated blend of modern comfort and authentic connection www.marriott.com  

Wailea Beach Resort Unveils Property-Wide Transformation and Bespoke Guest Experiences (Maui Nui)
Wailea Beach Resort has completed an extensive property-wide revitalization, debuting refreshed guest rooms and revitalized oceanfront villas designed to honor the island’s natural beauty through a palette of sunrise hues and volcanic textures. For incentive groups and executive retreats, the resort now offers a Private Chef Villa Dining Experience featuring a custom five-course menu, alongside the new adults-only wellness sanctuary, Olakino, which provides an infinity-edge saline pool and daily wellness programming. Spanning 22 acres with 100,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space, the property has further enhanced its premier offerings with a Constellation Concierge for guided stargazing and curated wellness walks that integrate mindful breathwork. These enhancements emphasize environmental stewardship and cultural immersion, providing groups with meaningful ways to experience Hawai‘i. www.marriott.com 

 

VENUES

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Unveils Small Group Space (Kaua‘i)

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is encouraging small groups to diversify their breakout options with the debut of three new Na Aliʻi Grand Hale Cabanas, set along the resort’s lagoon-style pool overlooking Keoneloa Bay. Designed for poolside presentations and laid-back receptions, the bungalow-inspired wooden cabanas can accommodate up to 10 guests and each and feature a 55-inch HD television, ceiling fan, and privacy curtains—plus direct beach access and dedicated poolside service. These Na Aliʻi Grand Hale Cabanas complement the resort’s expansive meetings and events portfolio, which spans 34,000 square feet indoors and out. Highlights include the 14,268-square-foot Grand Ballroom, the 6,580-square-foot Kauai Ballroom, and the oceanside Ilima Garden, a 14,000-square-foot venue framed by lush landscaping and sweeping Pacific views. www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt

The Great Lawn at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (O‘ahu)

The Great Lawn as the largest private oceanfront lawn in Waikiki, offering meeting and event planners a rare high-capacity outdoor venue within a fully integrated resort setting. The expansive oceanfront space supports a range of event formats, from receptions and general sessions to large-scale group gatherings. Offering sweeping views of the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, the Great Lawn can accommodate up to 1,600 guests for a banquet or luau and up to 2,000 guests for a reception, making it well suited for high-capacity outdoor programs. The venue was refreshed with new turf in 2024, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality for large-scale events. www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Limelight Hawai‘i Opens at Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra (O‘ahu)

Limelight Hawai‘i has debuted as a premier dinner entertainment venue and showroom, transforming a nearly 6,000-square-foot space into a state-of-the-art facility for meetings and immersive experiences. The versatile venue accommodates 500 guests for conferences and banquets, 650 for theater-style setups, and up to 700 for receptions, featuring a motorized truss with a 50-foot ceiling and a large-scale digital LED screen. Designed to honor the legacy of its iconic location while providing modern infrastructure for corporate gatherings, the space includes a VIP room, a private dining room, and customizable banquet menus curated by Executive Chef Jim Gillespie. The facility further enhances the guest experience by establishing convenient valet parking and leveraging its proximity to the Ala Moana Shopping Center to support seamless logistics for large-scale MCI groups.www.limelighthawaii.com

OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa Offers Indoor and Outdoor Event Space (Kaua‘i)

The 25-acre oceanfront OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa provides a sensational setting for professional gatherings with over 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. The newly renovated 8,611-square-foot Jasmine Ballroom is ideally suited for large-scale shows and banquets, while reimagined smaller meeting rooms feature modern island-inspired furnishings for private dinners. Complementing its indoor facilities, the property boasts 13,000 square feet of lush courtyards, poolside terraces, and oceanfront lawns overlooking the southeast shore, offering groups a deep immersion in indigenous stories and the natural vibrancy of the Garden Isle. The resort’s culinary team further enhances the MCI experience by tailoring menus ranging from elegant sit-down buffets to casual lū‘au. www.outrigger.com

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows Debuts New Oceanfront Event Venues (Maui)

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows has revealed two new oceanfront venues, the redesigned Hale Piʻilani and the new Sunset Room, as part of an extensive multimillion-dollar transformation. Hale Piʻilani offers a reimagined, flexible space that accommodates up to 180 guests for banquets or 120 in a classroom setup, providing a seamless blend of functionality and island ambiance for corporate meetings and social gatherings. These additions complement the resort’s broader enhancements, which include transformed accommodations, new dining outlets, and the recently opened Spa at Royal Lahaina, an oceanfront sanctuary featuring private treatment suites and beauty services. By expanding its premier venue portfolio, the resort reinforces its position as a top destination for MCI groups seeking luxury events that honor the legacy of the Kāʻanapali coast. www.royallahaina.com

Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i Debuts Echoa Ridge for Large-Scale Outdoor Events (O‘ahu)
Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i has unveiled Echoa Ridge, an expansive new outdoor venue on O‘ahu’s west side designed to accommodate massive gatherings of up to 5,000 guests. Situated on 60,000 square feet of drought-tolerant lawn, the site features a 7,400-square-foot stage equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and is fully ADA-accessible. The venue offers meeting and event planners a versatile, high-capacity setting for concerts, community festivals, and large-scale corporate functions, complete with 875 parking stalls and a full liquor license for island-wide service. To streamline the planning process, organizers have access to preferred vendor partnerships, ensuring a seamless experience for incentive groups and conventions seeking a premier open-air destination that celebrates environmental stewardship through sustainable landscaping. www.wetnwildhawaii.com

AGRICULTURE AND CUISINE

James Beard Foundation Awards (Statewide) semifinalists for 2026 include nine Hawai‘i chefs and eateries competing for the prestigious national culinary awards. Chefs moving on to the finalists step of the selection process will be announced on March 31. For MCI planners, these accolades offer a curated guide to world-class dining experiences that support local farmers and showcase the diverse flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. The 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Chicago on June 15. The nominees and their award categories are: 

  • Outstanding Restaurateur: Peter Merriman of Merriman’s, Monkeypod Kitchen and others (O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island) 
    • Emerging Chef: Bao Tran of Geovedi (O‘ahu) 
    • Outstanding Bakery: The Local General Store (O‘ahu) 
    • Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop (O‘ahu) 
    • Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Michele Di Bari of Sale Pepe (Maui) 
    • Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Ed Kenney of Mud Hen Water (O‘ahu) 
    • Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Andrew Le of The Pig and the Lady (O‘ahu) 
    • Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s Restaurant and Bar (Maui) 
    • Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Yuya Yamanaka of Paris Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) 

 

45th Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival Returns to Kapalua Resort (Maui)

The nation’s most iconic and time-honored epicurean event, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, celebrates its 45th anniversary at the Kapalua Resort from June 25–28, 2026. This exquisite weekend showcases the artistry of the world’s foremost vintners alongside the culinary brilliance of celebrity chefs Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, and the Voltaggio Brothers. For meetings and incentive groups, the festival’s crown jewel is the Grand Tasting Gala held at the Aloha Garden Pavilion of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where attendees can enjoy premium wines, local purveyors, and Hawaiian-style entertainment in a premier oceanfront setting. This world-class event offers a sophisticated backdrop for corporate networking and high-level incentive rewards, blending Maui’s rich culinary heritage by supporting local farmers and artisans.www.kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com

 

CULTURE

‘Auana at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel (O‘ahu)
Showcased exclusively at the OUTRIGGER Theatre, located at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, ʻAuana is Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group’s first resident production in Hawai‘i and its first show to be curated around its host destination. The production introduces Cirque du Soleil’s performance artistry through the guidance and vision of several Native Hawaiian creatives, including Dr. Aaron J. Salā, costume designer Carrington Manaola Yap and choreographer and kumu hula (hula instructor) Hiwa Vaughan-Darval. Available as an exclusive add-on to show tickets in all categories, the ‘Auana VIP Experience at Maui Brewing Co. offers guests a menu of island-inspired cuisine and local-crafted beverages 90 minutes prior to select performances. www.CirqueDuSoleil.com

Groups to Explore Bishop Museum’s Latest Exhibit (O‘ahu)

"Ea Mai ‘Eiwa: Patterns of Practice" is the first comprehensive group exhibition for

kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole, Sig Zane, and Kūhaʻoimaikalani Zane, a family of artists from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. In this exhibition, new and archival works from the artists will be placed in conversation with mea kūpuna (cultural belongings) from Bishop Museum’s collection to celebrate the resilience and progression of cultural art forms in changing times. The exhibit debuts Saturday, April 18, 2026 in the J. M. Long Gallery. www.bishopmuseum.org

Kaula Lū‘au Debuts at Ko Olina Resort (O‘ahu)

Kaula Lū‘au launched on February 27, 2026, at the new oceanfront venue Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina, following the closure of the long-standing Paradise Cove Lū‘au. Produced by the Native Hawaiian-led Hawaiian Council, the story-driven production follows the journey of a young woman named Mahina, weaving together genealogy and ancestral connections through hula, chant, and live music. The intimate, state-of-the-art venue accommodates up to 500 guests and features interactive pre-show cultural activities, such as lei-making and hula lessons, starting at 5:15 p.m.. For MCI groups, the experience offers a unique communal dining format catered by the Native Hawaiian-owned Moani Island Bistro, featuring island-favorite cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. www.luaukaula.com

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua (Maui)

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers meetings and incentive groups meaningful opportunities to support environmental stewardship through hands-on conservation experiences. Designed to align with organizational sustainability goals, these “volunteaming” activities blend team building with community impact and can be seamlessly incorporated into conference schedules, including during lunch breaks or coffee sessions. Participants may assist with planting native Koa trees, removing invasive species, or supporting marine debris recovery efforts, directly contributing to the preservation of Maui’s natural ecosystems. These purpose-driven initiatives foster collaboration, deepen engagement, and create a lasting connection between attendees and the destination, reinforcing Kapalua’s commitment to responsible tourism and long-term environmental care. www.ritzcarlton.com/maui

 

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Atlantis Submarines Maui Announces Highly Anticipated Reopening (Maui)

The 48-passengener Atlantis Submarines Maui is officially welcoming back small scale meetings, conventions, and incentive groups to explore the depths of Maui’s underwater paradise following a 2.5-year closure. This unique adventure allows participants to descend over 100 feet below the surface in a high-tech submarine to witness vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For MCI groups seeking "only-in-Hawai‘i" experiences, the tour provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment to observe the islands' majestic marine wonders. This immersive activity serves as a premier team-building or incentive reward, blending history, education, and the natural beauty beneath the waves. www.atlantissubmarines.com

Hawaii Forest & Trail Expands Portfolio of Private and Custom Eco-Adventures (Island of Hawai‘i)

Hawaii Forest & Trail is celebrating 32 years of award-winning adventures by expanding its portfolio of private and custom eco-adventures specifically designed for incentive and corporate groups. These new offerings integrate sustainability opportunities and farm-to-table experiences, allowing participants to connect deeply with the ‘āina (land). Led by interpretive naturalist guides, these transformative journeys range from exclusive stargazing atop Maunakea to swimming at secluded waterfalls through private land partnerships. These unique, tailored experiences are ideal for rewarding top performers with unforgettable adventures found only in Hawai‘i. By blending education with exploration, Hawaii Forest & Trail provides planners with meaningful ways to mālama (care for) the destination while fostering team connection through the island’s diverse landscapes and rich history. www.hawaii-forest.com/group-travel/

Kohala Zipline Unveils New High-Adventure Course (Island of Hawai‘i)

Kohala Zipline is elevating the adventure experience on the Island of Hawai‘i with the debut of its newest zipline course, designed to provide incentive and corporate groups with unmatched team-bonding opportunities. This new experience features thrilling elements, including a zip-and-bridge over a waterfall and a grand finale zipline that is higher, faster, and longer than any on the current course. Operating with safety standards that exceed those set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the attraction ensures peace of mind for organizers while delivering a high-energy, memorable experience for participants. In a commitment to sustainability and mālama (caring for) the ‘āina (land), Kohala Zipline has partnered with ‘Iole Hawai‘i, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a modern-day ahupua‘a (traditional land division) focused on resilience and a regenerative future. The venue offers turnkey solutions for planners, including complimentary group photo packages and a strong emphasis on the aloha spirit. These tailored experiences provide a perfect blend of exhilarating adventure and cultural connection for top company performers and corporate teams. www.kohalazipline.com

-pau-

 

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

Anna Piergallini
Account Supervisor, Public Relations
Anthology FINN Partners
anna.piergallini@finnpartners.com