b'internationalOAHU HAWAIIIn popular culture, Oahu and its metropolis, Honolulu,The largest by far, the big island is dotted with colourful are the best-known locales on the islands. Honolulu isbeaches, lava fields and emerald valleys. The western side also the oceanside capital for the state, small in size butis famous for its coffee farms, historic temples and quaint packing a punch. The historic Capitol District is home tofishing villages.the regal Iolani Palace and the famed King KamehamehaReyes adds, Beyond luxury resorts, low-key towns statue nearby. The compact city has two main areas: theand a wealth of shopping amenities, Hawaiis beautiful downtown core and the legendary Waikk neighbourhood.coastline is just begging to be explored, and team-building The downtown is a mix of skyscrapers, tranquil templesopportunities are abundant. One thing is certain: meeting and museums, displaying much local artwork and history. attendees will leave inspired to approach projects with a Honolulu is also home to the Hawaii Convention Centernew perspective after a stay on the big island.(HCC). The 1.1 million-sq.-ft. HCC boasts an open-airHotelsdesign that invites gentle sea breezes and warm sunlight, Mauna Laniwhere guests can meet and mingle in public spaces. It can Hilton Waikoloa Villageaccommodate events of up to 13,000 attendees, with 47 Outrigger Kona Resort & Spameeting rooms, a 200,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall, two-tieredDiversionsseating theatres and a 35,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. Planners Hawaii Volcanoes National Parkshould also note that HCC has launched a first-of-its-kind Waipio Valleyprogram that provides carbon offset opportunities for all Kapaaumeetings and conferences. ResourcesIn addition to HCC, hotels, conference centres andwww.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-islandmany smaller meeting locations are in abundance in www.lovebigisland.comHonolulu. Planners should be aware that spaces book up quickly in the main city, so the earlier you start, the better.SHAKAOutside of the city, other hotels and amenities exist forWhichever spectacular island oasis you decide to visit, conferences as well. always remember to shaka, also known as hang loose. Hotels It may be a clich, but extending your thumb and pinkie Turtle Bay Resort stands for friendship, understanding and solidarity The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach perhaps the perfect philosophy for events, meetings and The Kahala Hotel & Resort corporate conferences everywhere.Diversions Hanauma Bay Large evening event on the rooftop of the Pearl Harbor Hawaii Convention Center located in Waikk, Oahu. Polynesian Cultural Center Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Dana Edmunds.Resourceswww.meethawaii.com/convention-center www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahuFall/Winter 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 39'