Aloha from paradise - Hawaii

These tropical islands are like nothing else in the United States.

With an almost boundless complement of hotels and resorts and the famed Waikiki beachside strip that has made Honolulu famous throughout the world, it is undoubtedly the best known city of Hawaii, the group of 19 islands and atolls that became the USA’s 50th state in 1959. But there’s more to Hawaii than Honolulu. If there’s a possibility that towering mountains, impen-etrable wilderness areas, active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, massive resort developments, and peaceful out-of-the-way country towns could interest conference delegates, they’ll have the time of their lives in Hawaii.

Properties like the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel represent the Hawaiian meetings market at its most attentive. Located on Kalakaua Avenue in the very heart of Waikiki, across the road from the beach and next door to the famed International Marketplace, the hotel has 500 guestrooms – including seven suites. There are three conference and meetings rooms, with the largest – the Hoku Hale Theatre – seating 300 theatre style or 300 for banquets.

>> Conference & meeting venues in Oahu, Hawaii

From Honolulu and the Island of Oahu, there’s much to explore. The largest island is Hawaii, with the Kohala Coast on the western side of the island renowned as a mecca for golfers. There are some 20 golf courses in the area, with more currently being developed. The contrast between the lush fairways and the surrounding black lava landscape is a special sight. The giant ranches on the island provide the opportunity to see Hawaii’s own cowboys in action.

ACROSS THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Kilauea is Hawaii’s only active volcano and forms part of the spectacular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can get close to the action as fiery molten lava spews high into the sky and creeps steadily down to the sea.

The old whaling town of Lahana lies at the southern edge of Maui’s resort strip, with numerous resorts and conference hotels providing everything a group could need. Stretches of golden beaches, offshore deep-sea fishing and sailing expeditions, or simply just relaxing beside a massive swimming pool provides much for delegates to do.

For a slower pace, the Island of Kaui has the sort of spectacular scenery usually only seen in the movies. Little wonder so many films, such as the Jurassic Park trilogy, have used the rainforests of Kaui as a backdrop. Settlement began on the island as early as 500AD and it was on the Island of Kaui that Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1778.