Hands down, Maui is best suited for the widest variety of groups. It’s not surprising, then, that the island known for offering a sampling of all things Hawaiian has been winning awards for 20 consecutive years from the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. That’s because, for so very many visitors each year, Maui is not too big, not too small, but consistently just right.
If luxury is what you’re seeking, there is no shortage of 5-star resorts along the Maui coastline. The southern end of the island features the Wailea area and includes Four Seasons Resort Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, and the Andaz Maui.
The island’s northern Kapalua coastline is home to The Ritz-Carlton and the luxurious Montage Kapalua Bay. In between is Ka’anapali, with a broad selection of excellent value resorts by Hyatt, Westin, and Sheraton. In and around these properties, there is a distinctly high concentration of restaurants, shopping, golf, and boating. Family groups, in particular, enjoy the high energy of this area and the tremendous selection of activities available to all.
Many of the most popular activities on Maui are centered around the natural elements that make the island such a perennial favorite. These include watching the sunrise atop 10,000-foot Mount Haleakala (and bicycling down afterwards!), driving the scenic and winding road to take in the waterfalls of Hana, and snorkeling amidst the vibrant fish of the Molokini Crater.
With 727 square miles of varied terrain, Maui offers groups the perfect foundation for all kinds of beach activities and excursions, a full price range of dining options, and ample outdoor adventures. In addition to its outstanding natural beauty, Maui’s small towns and limited population makes it easy for visitors to explore the island without the crowds of Oahu.
For the broadest appeal, the biggest selection of resorts, and the greatest selection of restaurants and activities, Maui is unquestionably a must-see consideration for your incentive travel plans.
WAILEA
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI
Wailea’s lush beaches, courtesy of the hotel
As Maui’s only Forbes five-star and AAA five–diamond resort, The Four Seasons offers the serenity of a secluded beachfront enhanced by the best-in-class guest service the brand is known for. The vast majority of the 305 guest rooms and 75 grand suites enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, and a few face the tropical hillsides of Mount Haleakala or the property’s exquisitely landscaped gardens.
The resort amenities include complimentary cabanas and beach umbrella service, an award-winning spa, and three on-site boutiques. Other special touches include chilled towels, Evian spritzes, fragrant sunscreen, and frozen fruit iced treats. Dining is a special indulgence in any of the island’s three top-rated restaurants.
The resort’s championship paddling team stands ready for complimentary lessons and excursions. Daily canoe trips take guests around the island as they learn Maui’s history while observing Hawaiian green turtles, native reef fish, manta rays, and frequently an active humpback whale.
Meeting Planner Tip: The complimentary amenities make the entire group feel like VIPs, and they don’t require any extra effort from meeting planners. Fantastic service. Fantastic dining options.
FAIRMONT KEA LANAI
Outrigger boating on the coastline, courtesy of the hotel
The Fairmont Kea Lani does an outstanding job of making each guest feel like a privileged VIP by offering the state’s only all-suite, oceanfront design. The property includes 413 spacious, one-bedroom suites and 37 additional private, two- and three-bedroom villas.
The staff’s extraordinary efforts to create an exceptional spa experience have not gone unnoticed by many repeat visitors and industry experts. The outstanding services of The Willow Stream Spa have earned it the title of the “Best Spa in Hawaii” by the discerning critics of Travel + Leisure magazine.
The resort’s dining options have something for every palate and preference, ranging from traditional favorites to haute cuisine at the renowned Ko restaurant.
Because so many travelers to the islands are intrigued by the unique culture of Hawaii, Fairmont Kea Lani has worked extensively to provide their guests with a deeper connection to the island’s heritage. Their authentic Hawaiian experiences include classes and exposure to cultural music, traditional celebrations, and local cuisine and have earned them the honor of “Best Hawaiian Cultural Program” in Maui.
Meeting Planner Tip: The run-of-house, all-suite rooms (at 860 sf each) make every attendee feel like they received a VIP upgrade. It’s a good added value. The gorgeous beach is very private.
GRAND WAILEA – A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT
A stunning courtyard, courtesy of the hotel
Since opening in 1991 to critical acclaim, the Grand Wailea, an outstanding member of the Waldorf Astoria group, has consistently been ranked among the world’s best resorts by travel industry experts. The massive, 28,000 square foot Haleakala Ballroom is the largest in Maui and can accommodate large crowds in grand style.
The hotel has 780 guest rooms, suites, and villas beautifully appointed, but the main attraction for many are the pools and water activities. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool brings out the kid in everyone with waterslides, rapids, a rope swing, and even a water elevator. The elegant Hibiscus Pool is reserved for adults and provides an oasis of relaxation away from the crowds. Whatever their preference, few visitors can resist taking a dip in at least one of the beautiful pools of the Grand Wailea.
Meeting Planner Tip: “Grand” is the keyword. It’s excellent for large groups. Small groups could get lost (or alternatively enjoy the privacy of not seeing each other). There’s a mini-waterpark, so it’s a great option for groups with families. The Wailea beach is wide and gorgeous.
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT
One of many pools, courtesy of the hotel
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is the first resort-type property in the Andaz collection of boutique hotels by Hyatt. As such, extreme attention was paid to the design and construction of the hotel. Designed by the world-renowned architects of the Rockwell Group, the Andaz beautifully captures the spirit of modern Hawaii and remains true to one of the brand’s key elements—to be fully engaged in and representative of the surrounding community.
The Andaz has 320 guest rooms, and this scale allows for a more intimate and intentional service relationship between guests and staff. The Andaz experience is wonderfully uncomplicated and pleasantly unpredictable at the same time.
As with all the beachfront resorts, the Andaz offers a full complement of water activities. Golfing privileges on nearby, world-renowned courses, the Shops at Wailea, and Iao Valley State Park are also frequent guest favorites.
Dining at the Andaz can be an event in itself. The famous Morimoto Maui restaurant makes its home inside the hotel. Under the direction of Chef Masaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame, the menu predominantly features locally-sourced, season-fresh ingredients in dishes that delicately blend the Western and Japanese influences so prevalent in Hawaiian history.
Meeting Planner Tip: Modern, minimalist design feels like W meets Maui. Beach is secluded by massive rock formations and native trees. “Event” kitchen could be used for a unique “live appetizer” station.
WAILEA BEACH RESORT – MARRIOTT
After a perfect sunset, courtesy of the hotel
The first hotel to open in Wailea was at this location, so the ocean views are outstanding. Recently, Marriott acquired the “bones” of this amazing oceanfront and invested $100 million to re-open as the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui. With the Marriott name tucked at the end, it reflects their goal of conveying their brand reliability and striving for the feel on an independent luxury hotel.
The Wailea Beach Resort has 547 residential-style rooms, which includes 56 suites. The rooms are spread across multiple buildings, which enhances the resort ambiance and maximizing their expansive oceanfront. Most of the rooms are oceanfront which is a plus for incentive groups, and every room has a lanai, with the ground level rooms enjoying extended lanais that feel like an outdoor living room.
Immediately out the back door (technically across from the hotel lobby) is the high-end the Shops at Wailea when event attendees desire retail shopping. The resort’s best amenities are its three pools. The Maluhia Pool is the signature adults-only, infinity-edge pool known for its coveted floating overwater cabana. The Ohi Pools combine two infinity-edge pools with whirlpool spas and features plentiful lounge chairs, cabanas, and panoramic views of the Pacific. The kid’s Nalu Adventure Pool hosts Maui’s longest waterslide (325 feet long), a swim-through grotto, and a splash zone for kids.
Restaurant options include their signature Humble Market Kitchin By Roy Yamaguchi, the casual KAPA Bar & Grill, and two venues with extra character, Whale’s Tale Coffee House and Mo’ Bettah Food Truck.
Meeting Planner Tip: While this resort boasts the broadest ocean-front lawn, which offer amazing group function space, it’s technically not beach front. Its beach service area is to the side and near the Grand Wailea.
KA'ANAPALI
HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT AND SPA
A view that raises the bar, courtesy of the hotel
The Hyatt Regency Maui is a wonderful blend of tropical luxury and authentic Hawaiian heritage. The resort’s 810 guestrooms (which includes 31 recently renovated suites) offer guests Hawaiian sophistication with private lanais and panoramic views across the property. With seven restaurants on site, there is cuisine for every taste and price range.
The resort is widely known for its popular Drums of the Pacific luau which takes place on Ka’anapali Beach. Long since voted the best luau on the island, it is often the highlight of many guests’ trip.
In addition to the luau, the resort offers one of the most unique experiences around, “Tour of the Stars.” In this one-of-a-kind experience, guests participate in a rooftop astronomy program and learn the early history of the islands as told through the stars.
Championship golfing is available on two separate courses as is extensive shopping at the always-bustling Whaler’s Village. A winding boardwalk along the adjacent beachfront connects neighboring hotels, restaurants, and tourist-related activities such as tours, boat charters, and catamaran adventures.
Meeting Planner Tip: We’ve hosted several club trips here. The Sales team is very flexible and works hard to build win-win budgets. We love the beachwalk along Ka’anapali Beach. Whalers Village intersects the walkway with affordable shopping options.
SHERATON MAUI RESORT AND SPA
Fascinating architecture, courtesy of the hotel
The Sheraton Maui is a charming mix of an established, trusted brand sporting a relatively new facelift. As the oldest hotel in the area (built in 1963), the Sheraton Maui has served and delighted guests for decades. In keeping with the brand’s commitment to excellence, the hotel was closed from 1995-97 in order to give the property a $160 million total makeover, and further renovations were made in 2020.
The results of the extensive overhaul have been impressive to say the least. Of the 508 guest rooms, over 80% feature an ocean view. Exciting dining venues, exceptional snorkeling at the world-famous Black Rock, daily Hawaiian cultural activities, and a full-service spa have made this resort a favorite for generations.
Each day ends with a long time crowd favorite: the nightly torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony. Set against the backdrop of the setting Hawaiian sun, these rituals are part of what makes this hotel so popular with returning guests. Veteran guests repeatedly vote this Sheraton their #1 property within the brand from properties the world over.
Meeting Planner Tip: Don’t overlook this Sheraton. It’s the very best Sheraton we’ve seen. The property has low-rise buildings with ample lawns and large pool area, so the resort feels very spacious. The beachfront snorkeling is the best of any resort.
WESTIN MAUI RESORT AND SPA, KA’ANAPALI
Surrounded by nature, courtesy of the hotel
The Westin Maui offers as many or as few planned activities as you want for your reward travel. Activities abound should you wish, but so does the restfulness of a poolside chaise, especially with five pools to choose from. Two towers, the Ocean and the Beach Tower, house 769 rooms and have all been recently renovated to include luxurious amenities such as the delightful Heavenly Beds in every room.
The hotel’s promenade showcases several boutiques for guests’ convenience and indulgence. The Heavenly Spa by Westin ™ offers unique services guaranteed to rejuvenate mind and body pampering guests from head to toe.
The major renovations give a whole new look and feel to the hotel that you certainly don’t want to miss out on. The integration of nature and culture into the hotel’s structure provides an immersive Hawaiian experience from the suites to the lobby.
KAPALUA
THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
A welcoming view from the lobby lanai, courtesy of the hotel
Few hotels worldwide can boast of the extensive oceanfront expanse The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has to offer. In all, the development is spread over a historic 23,000-acre pineapple plantation including an impressive 54 acres of beachfront land.
The property includes two championship golf courses (with the Plantation Course regularly hosting the PGA Tour each January), access to the award-winning P. T. Fleming Beach, and one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves, including two marine sanctuaries. Other popular outdoor activities include a visit to the Maunalei Arboretum or a match at the Kapalua Tennis Garden. Complimentary shuttle buses are available to transport guests throughout the grounds.
Of the resort’s 467 rooms and suites, all are impeccably appointed in tropical elegance. Precise attention to detail is evident throughout this property in ways large and small. The result for guests and groups is a seamless, relaxing stay.
The hotel’s six restaurants feature dishes made from local ingredients and the resort’s own sustainable organic garden on sight.
Specific only to this resort is the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program for children, youth, and families. Through games and educational programs, the staff works to promote an active awareness of Mother Earth during guests’ stay.
MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY
Profound architecture throughout, courtesy of MENU Magazine
What makes the Montage Kapalua Bay so unique is what it doesn’t have… lots of rooms filled with lots of people. The resort features only 56 suites—56! and each one is exquisitely designed. The result? An amenity-packed resort that offers guests the sense of exclusivity usually reserved for celebrities and rock stars.
The focus on tradition is an integral part of the Montage experience. Tradition and heritage are honored in ways large and small through the hotel’s restaurants, cultural events, and overall design.
Full-service beach activities, live and local musical artists performing daily, and a world-class spa combine to give guests a full complement of options during their stay. Even the hotel swimming pool is a beautiful sight as the triple-decked pool cascades down the center of the property, allowing guests to enjoy both the pool and the ocean simultaneously. The hotel was notably renovated in 2021.
MAUI ACTIVITIES
Zipline Over the Canyons
This five-line zipline tour offers almost three hours of thrilling fun as you soar above trees, gulches, and the beautiful canyons of Haleakala.
Haleakala Sunrise and Brunch
Greet the sun above the clouds on this narrated tour that takes you to the peak of Mount Haleakala.
Lanai Sail
Start your morning off with a continental breakfast, then enjoy the panoramic views as you cross the channel between Lahaina Harbor and the Manele Harbor of nearby Lanai. Once you arrive at Lanai, options include a historical island tour by van, snorkeling in Kaunalu Cove, or enjoying the day at Hulopoe Beach. Beachside you can also swim, snorkel, explore nature trails, or even enjoy a beach volleyball game organized by your sailboat crew.
Chartered Fishing Excursions
These all-inclusive trips are popular with all experience levels. Reserved charters provide transfers to and from the harbor, food, beverages and crews experienced in fishing for select catch. Popular game fish frequently caught in the islands include marlin, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish/dorado), ono (wahoo), ahi (yellowfin tuna), aku (skipjack tuna), kawakawa (wavyback bonita), shibi (bigeye tuna), kahala (amberjack), and ulua (giant trevally).
Scuba for Certified Divers
Certified scuba divers will enjoy a thrilling outing with Ed Robinson, locally respected within the Maui dive community for more than 25 years. As a noted underwater photographer, his images appear in many popular diving publications. Each of the dive boats are fast, comfortable, and custom-designed by Ed for group diving trips. All boats have shaded areas, a bathroom, fresh water, dry storage, a large dive deck (including easy waterway entry and exit), and ample storage.
Surf-Paddling Lessons
Originally called “beach boy surfing” after the famous Waikiki beach boys who combined their outrigger canoe skills with their surfing skills, this sport now has many names. Instructors show you how to paddle and steer while aboard a surfboard to tame the waves.
Hike & Waterfall Swim
After a one-hour, narrated van tour, you’ll arrive at one of the most popular valleys along Maui’s famous Hana Highway. Once there, you can swim in large, freshwater pools beneath a beautiful waterfall. For the adventurous, there are rock ledges to jump from into the pools.
Horseback Riding
On this 90-minute trek, riders will follow a walking trail through a working cattle ranch complete with expansive pastures and towering eucalyptus trees. Once you make the trip to the top of Haleakala Crater, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the island and the ocean, 2,000 feet below.
Underwater Adventure
After a 15-minute ferry ride, you’ll board a high-tech submarine and begin your 100-foot descent into a side of paradise that remained hidden to many for centuries. The ultimate destination for the ride is a porthole-view of The Carthaginian, a sunken 1921 steel-hulled sailing vessel, retired to the sea in 2005.
Road to Hana Tour
The best way to enjoy the world-famous “Road to Hana” is as a passenger – and preferably in an air-conditioned, 12-person, luxury van. When you leave the driving to guides, you are free to enjoy all 52 miles of winding roads (617 hairpin curves!), lots of one-lane bridges (56 in all!), and unbeatable scenery that includes pineapple fields, spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, waterfalls, tropical streams and pools, fragrant island flowers, and rainforest vegetation.
Kayak + Snorkel Adventure
This excursion allows you to enjoy the ocean from above and below. No experience is necessary as all guests are given complete instructions on paddling and water safety before heading out to Makena Bay.
Maui Ocean Center Explorations
Dubbed “The Hawaiian Aquarium,” visitors can see spectacular live coral displays, including the largest collection of coral in the country, the popular green sea turtles, and the more dangerous sharks and manta rays, all while learning about Hawaii’s history and cultural heritage.
Helicopter Tour of Maui + Molokai
Specially outfitted helicopters, complete with near soundproof headphones and recorded narratives provide you with a perspective of the islands unlike any other. This flight combines two islands in one tour with breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and the coastline. The Maui portion includes views of the West Maui mountain range and the valleys of Iao, Honokohau, Olowalu, Ukumehame, and Waihee. Across the channel, the views of Molokai include the spectacular sea cliffs and the remote peninsula that long ago provided sanctuary for the quarantined lepers of Hawaii.
Helicopter Tour of Maui + Molokai
Specially outfitted helicopters, complete with near soundproof headphones and recorded narratives provide you with a perspective of the islands unlike any other. This flight combines two islands in one tour with breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and the coastline. The Maui portion includes views of the West Maui mountain range and the valleys of Iao, Honokohau, Olowalu, Ukumehame, and Waihee. Across the channel, the views of Molokai include the spectacular sea cliffs and the remote peninsula that long ago provided sanctuary for the quarantined lepers of Hawaii.
BRIGHTSPOT COMMENTARY
Ask most people their dream of the ideal vacation and you’ll likely hear mentions of three must-haves: tropical beaches, one-of-a-kind opportunities for adventure, and fabulous dining options. Corporate meeting planners and incentive travel attendees have the same goal.
Few places in the world can not only meet, but so expertly surpass, these qualifications like the Hawaiian Islands. Fewer still are as extremely well-suited for group travel as The Aloha State. With a vast and unique range of outstanding accommodations, an endless array of activities, and mile-upon-mile of pristine beaches, an escape to the islands of Hawaii can offer the thrill of a lifetime to incentive travelers.
There are many good reasons, that year after year, the readers of Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and TripAdvisor rank Hawaii as their top choice for vacationing: that’s because whatever your pleasure (or that of your group), the many and varied islands of Hawaii can fulfill any agenda, meet any need.
Collectively, the islands embody the Aloha spirit – that gracious acceptance and warm welcome extended to all who visit; individually, each island is known for its own distinct personality and unique attractions that set it apart. Catering to groups is the specialty of the world-class resorts that dot the islands. All were originally designed to accommodate groups and their unique needs.
So, whether your team is seasoned travelers looking for unique, never-been-done-before experiences or they’re relative newcomers to the rewards of incentive travel, each and every trip to Hawaii can offer new sights, adventures, and memories for everyone.
When Hawaii is in the meeting or incentive plans, it’s amazing how work becomes so much more rewarding.
If you have any questions regarding meeting and incentive travel, drop us a line and we’ll get you in contact with our industry experts!
