Incentive Travel Guide
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OAHU INCENTIVE TRAVEL GUIDE A PUBLICATION OF BRIGHTSPOT TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION HOTELS Waikiki Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa The Modern Honolulu The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki Sheraton Waikiki Off Waikiki The Kahala Hotel & Resort Turtle Bay Resort ACTIVITIES COMMENTARY ISLAND EXPERIENCES INTRODUCTION OAHU IS THE MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION FOR A HAWAIIAN ESCAPE. Of all the islands, travel to and from Honolulu International Airport consistently offers themost flights and lowest fares for group travel. Though there are several high end resorts available, there are considerably more 4-star options and each have design elements created to specifically cater to group events. The iconic Waikiki Beach is dotted with resorts, and shopping, dining, and nightlife options are plentiful for all tastes and budgets. History is the undertone for many of Oahu’s attractions including the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the USS Missouri (known as ‘Mighty Mo’), and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Oahu also has plenty of popular beaches and plenty of ocean-related activities including excellent conditions to snorkel, surf, swim with dolphins, and even explore the ocean depths in a refitted submarine. Your guests can soak up local culture and heritage and experience firsthand the Spirit of Aloha at one of the many festivals Oahu is known for. Your groups will fall in love with Oahu’s festivals, giving groups many opportunities to bask in the Aloha culture. Some of the festivals include: The Honolulu Festival in March, Oahu’s Lei Day Celebration in May, the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, Prince Lot Hula Festival in July, and the Aloha Festivals in September. 3 In so many ways, Oahu truly has it all – whatever you seek for your team – surf clear blue waters, discover metropolitan cityscapes, indulge in historic architecture, become one with nature, or simply unwind on the beach. HAUULA WAIALUA KAILUA PEARL HARBOR HONOLULU WAIKIKI THE GATHERING PLACE LANDMARK Waikiki #1 ACTIVITY Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu, is the only FUN FACT Royal Palace in the USA. RECOMMENDATION Most walkable options for free time activities or lower FOR GROUPS budget. 4 01 HOTELS WAIKIKI HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT The Hilton Hawaiian Village has grown to become the largest resort in Hawaii and even one of the largest hotels in the world – with 3,000 rooms. With five towers, five pools, a lagoon, 20 restaurants and bars, 90+ shops, and direct beach access, the resort has the feel of an authentic village. It’s not even necessary to leave the extensive hotel grounds as there are plenty of activity and entertainment options. Traditional options, such as kayaking and snorkeling are available as are more unique offerings like hula lessons. Entertainment options include live music each evening, Friday night fireworks displays, and their popular Starlight Luau, plus many more. If a self-contained resort fits your group’s needs, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a top choice. MEETING PLANNER TIP We hosted a group of 1,200 with plenty of room to spare. Rainbow Tower is nearest the beach, which makes it a bit more expensive, and a good upgrade for top qualifiers. Plan an outdoor event on Friday night, and your group will think you spent $10,000 for the (complimentary) fireworks display. 6 WAIKIKI MOANA SURFRIDER, A WESTIN RESORT & SPA The Westin Moana Surfrider is known as “The First Lady of Waikiki.” That’s because, though built in 1901, it still remains a popular group destination. In 2014, the hotel underwent a $21 million transformation, renovating all 522 guestrooms and 36 suites. This mega-makeover included new furniture, carpeting, drapes, bedding and artwork, along with modernized elevators. The hotel has done a wonderful job of remaining true to its historic origins while striking a lovely balance between classic, traditional fittings and contemporary designs. Like many Westins today, this historic structure is equipped to exceed your modern comfort expectations. MEETING PLANNER TIP We’ve operated multiple incentive programs here. The location is fabulous in the heart of Waikiki. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in a rocking chair on the front porch or walk to Royal Hawaiian Center for high-end shopping. The historic details make this lady a real beauty, and a wonderful experience. 7 WAIKIKI THE MODERN HONOLULU The Modern Honolulu (previously The Edition) is an exquisite boutique hotel with so much to offer. From the crisp and refreshing minimalist design to the Iron Chef-endorsed sushi restaurant to the trendy nightclub, young and young-at-heart groups are sure to have an unforgettable adventure. The ambiance created in the hotel is one of a kind. Its public spaces are predominantly white with exciting art pieces placed strategically throughout. The major artworks include an installation by Fletch, an Yves Klein design on the bottom of the Sunset Pool, and hand painted wall coverings throughout. The hotel has 353 rooms and suites, all with a view of the ocean, city, pool, or yacht harbor. It is a spectacular mix of private oasis amid a cosmopolitan destination. 8 WAIKIKI THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN WAIKIKI The Royal Hawaiian is known as “The Pink Palace of the Pacific” because of its unique pink stucco exterior. As a Luxury Collection Resort, this unique exterior makes a grand and immediate visual impact on guests. The welcoming leis for new guests completes the arrival experience. The hotel is known for its stunning room designs, extraordinary service, and beautiful private beach area. As one of three luxury resorts in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian also offers fully equipped meeting and event spaces for any type and size function. MEETING PLANNER TIP No two rooms are identical in the main building. Because of the Pink Palace’s history, the rooms can be a little smaller, but the vibe is that of Hawaiian royalty with authentic touches like carved wooden doors. 9 WAIKIKI SHERATON WAIKIKI The Sheraton Waikiki has one of the most enviable locations a resort could ever want. It is within an easy walk to world-class shopping, varied dining venues, and a number of natural and cultural attractions. Their Hawaiian Ballroom is the one of the Sheraton chain’s biggest jewels and is the largest ballroom in Waikiki with over 26,000 square feet. Additionally, the hotel features a beautiful infinity pool and the Hulumoa Playground, which are great meeting places for groups of all sizes. MEETING PLANNER TIP Sheraton is often a budget friendly option. RumFire bar is a popular social hot spot. 10 OFF WAIKIKI THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT Removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the Kahala is well known and loved for the seclusion and privacy it offers guests. Because of this, it regularly attracts high profile celebrities, heads of State, and pop culture icons. The highlight of the hotel’s beautiful grounds are the “kissing point,” a secluded lagoon and breathtaking waterfall. In addition to the hotel’s many amenities, it is also the only sight on the island that provides swimming with the dolphins. MEETING PLANNER TIP Just 15 minutes south of Waikiki, but it feels a world away. Kahala is a legendary hideaway for presidents, international royalty, and celebrities – and your group will feel like one of them with The Kahala high-touch service and spacious guest rooms. 11 OFF WAIKIKI TURTLE BAY RESORT Located at the tip of Oahu’s North Shore, the Turtle Bay Resort is a retreat property that boasts ocean views from every room plus a tremendous selection of outdoor activities. Guests are invited to tour the island by helicopter, horseback ride along the beach, or take surf lessons along the famed North Shore beach. As a self-contained resort on 800 acres, it offers an unforgettable experience by showcasing Oahu’s natural beauty. Turtle Bay encourages a healthy and active lifestyle among its staff and guests and is a true farm-to-table resort featuring locally grown, organic ingredients in its restaurants. MEETING PLANNER TIP The Polynesian Cultural Center is 5 minutes away, which offers groups a blend of history and theme park, much like a Hawaiian version of Disney’s Epcot. Retreat setting is equally good for groups wanting to relax and unwind, or tackle adventurous activities like surfing the North Shore. 12 ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES PEARL HARBOR The Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri are visual reminders of both the triumphs and sacrifices of World War II. SAILING AND WHALE WATCHING The Makani is a 65-foot luxury sailing catamaran built by Gold Coast Yachts in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. No expense was spared in the building of the boat. Because Hawaii is known as one of the world’s greatest whale watching locations, visitors flock to islands in winter and spring to catch a glimpse of majestic humpback whales migrating for the calving season. SNORKELING AT HANAUMA BAY Hanauma Bay is one of the only coral reef preserves in the country. This very special place offers safe and exciting snorkeling in protected waters. NORTH SHORE TOUR + SURF TOWN SHOPPING Guides on this tour identify scenic spots along this coastline tour including the fabled Valley of the Temples, Kahana Bay, the Kahuku shrimp farms, and the world famous Sunset Beach, sight of the tremendous breaking waves. 14 ACTIVITIES HAWAIIAN CULTURAL TOUR Hawaii’s royal history is truly among the most unique of the 50 states. Once the lifeline of the Hawaiian Islands and its people, the influence of the Hawaiian monarchy is still evident in the island culture and traditions. SUNSET CRUISE ON THE SPIRIT OF ALOHA Setting sail from the Hilton pier, you will cruise long the wondrous Waikiki coastline as the sun slowly dips beyond the horizon.