Culture & History

For attendees from around the world, Hawaiʻi’s history offers a wealth of inspiration:

Learning that Hawaiʻi’s discovery by Polynesians occurred following a 2,000-mile oceanic canoe voyage, using the stars above as a map and Native ancestral ingenuity makes what may have seemed impossible suddenly achievable
Discovering the literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” brings attendees into the moment like never before
And the powerful stories of how, by 1810, King Kamehameha I brought the islands together under one unified kingdom inspire ambition, achievement and new heights in leadership.

Visitors to the islands find Hawaiian culture and history fascinating, stimulating and simply moving — one more reason Hawaiʻi is not your typical seaside meetings destination.

Time-Honored Traditions

Few destinations have the kind of cultural authenticity that defines Hawaiʻi, and planners can easily incorporate hallmarks of traditional Hawaiian life into their programs.

It begins with the offering of the lei as a symbol of welcome and continues with ceremonial lūʻau gatherings, meals prepared in a traditional imu (underground oven) and lessons in the art of storytelling through hula dance.

Theme parties can tap into paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture or hire Hawaiian practitioners to engage attendees with lei making lessons or lauhala (pandanus) weaving. Take the learning a step further and find ways to give back to Hawai‘i via our culturally-focused CSR [link to meethawaii.com/csr] opportunities.

Relics of Yesteryear

Every island holds opportunities for historic exploration. To name just a few:

On the island of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 23,000 petroglyph images carved into the lava rock
Visiting a thousand-year-old fish pond on Kauaʻi regales with legends of how the Menehune, a mythical population of small people, built it in a single night
On Maui, the city of Lāhainā’s whaling past is on spectacular display at a circa-1901 inn, the U.S. Seaman’s Hospital and a bygone prison — some of the 62 historic sites on self-guided walking trail.

Additionally, many of Hawaiʻi’s museums and historic institutions host unforgettable offsite events. Attendees can dine at ʻIolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States, mix and mingle amid Hawaiian artifacts at the Bishop Museum and experience Pearl Harbor with a private event at the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, or USS Bowfin submarine, all of which are located on the island of Oʻahu.

Learn more about the many additional ways Hawaiʻi can help lift attendance and build positive experiences.

> Hawaiʻi Convention Center
> Why Hawaiʻi
> Location: Where East Meets West