Hawaii: say Aloha to MICE events in paradise

Hawaii: say Aloha to MICE events in paradise
Edited by Travel Weekly


Hawai‘i, with its unmatched beauty, warm hospitality and world-class venues, is a dream destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), Vanessa Rolfe joined Meet Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Airlines on a seven-day adventure exploring O‘ahu’s top-notch venues, vibrant culture, and jaw-dropping activities.

A destination designed for MICE

Hawai‘i isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience. Whether you’re planning a board meeting or a full-blown conference, O‘ahu blends luxury, culture, and unforgettable moments into every event.  

World-class meeting facilities

Unique offsite venues

  • Pacific Aviation Museum: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum can hold 600 guests cocktail in, Hanger 37 whilst Hanger 79 is a blank canvas and authentic historical feel with indoor and outdoor space which can hold up to 1200 guests.
  • Battleship Missouri: Battleship Missouri Memorial can host up to 300 guests – imagine a formal dinner on the teak decks of this historic ship. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind setting for galas or ceremonies. 
  • Kualoa Ranch: A picturesque mix of adventure and exclusivity for team-building or gala events.
  • Secret Island: A secluded beach perfect for executive retreats or incentives.
  • Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design: Private and exclusive high-end client gatherings

Cultural and culinary experiences

From immersive lū‘au to the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, attendees enjoyed local culture and cuisine in every detail, offering planners unique ways to enhance event programs.

“Bleisure” appeal

The blend of high-end facilities and family-friendly activities ensures Hawai‘i appeals to business travelers extending their trips into leisure experiences. Attendees can bring their families to enjoy resorts, explore Hawaiian culture, and bond over unforgettable moments.

Seamless coordination

With Meet Hawai‘i Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines, planners have access to expert guidance, making Hawai‘i an effortless and rewarding choice.

Hawai‘i isn’t just a location – it’s an experience that elevates business events into transformative moments. From corporate meetings to incentive programs, the islands deliver aloha in every detail.

Here’s the highlight of an unforgettable experience:

Flying high with Hawaiian Airlines 

The MICE journey started mid-air with Hawaiian Airlines, where the crew’s aloha spirit set the tone for the week. Tropical snacks, cheery smiles, and a captain who moonlights as a tour guide made the descent into paradise unforgettable. 

Upon landing, lei were waiting (yes, lei!) courtesy of Meet Hawai‘i’s Kris Phadungkiatipong. First stop? The Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa for light bites at Queen’s Break. The group toured the resort’s versatile meeting spaces and revamped rooms, capable of hosting up to 1,000 attendees for board meetings, poolside events, or full takeovers.

Unforgettable Family-Friendly experience 

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

With over 17,000 square feet of event space and oceanfront terraces at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, this venue is as versatile as it is stunning. Dinner? Hosted by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival—where world-class dining met chic cocktails.  

Event marvels at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Think designer shops, beachfront activities, and event spaces for up to 2,600 guests—all wrapped in Hawaiian luxury. The Lanikai Lounge reception dazzled with sushi, Wagyu skewers, and shrimp skewered on sugarcane. Pro tip: their outdoor terraces are perfect for gala dinners under the stars.  

The Hawaiʻi Convention Centre

Spanning 1.1 million square feet, the centre boasts a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 35,000-square-foot ballroom, a rooftop events garden, meeting rooms, and tiered-seating theatres. The Center has an exciting renovation projects taking place in 2026.

Luxury & rooftop views at Alohilani Resort

Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach impresses with a ballroom for up to 500 guests, modern breakout spaces, and rooftop poolside event space. A highlight was dinner at the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, hosted by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. World-class dining combined with a chic rooftop ambiance solidified Hawai‘i’s allure as a premium MICE destination.

Pearl Harbor – historic & epic 

Vanessa Rolfe enjoyed the beauty and history of Hawai‘i, a dream destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events.

Hosting a dinner aboard the Battleship Missouri? Epic. Cocktails in a WWII hangar at the Pacific Aviation Museum? Double epic. Pearl Harbor’s venues range from intimate gatherings of 300 to expansive events for 1,200, blending history with high-impact networking vibes

Culture, cuisine & Kualoa Ranch

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.

If you’re looking for a unique Premium experience, try the art-filled Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, the former estate of Doris Duke and it’s impressive. Ideal for intimate high-end events. Then to the cinematic landscapes of Kualoa Ranch, the options are endless. We lunched on authentic Hawaiian lau lau overlooking blockbuster-worthy valleys and wrapped up at Secret Islanda dreamy spot for incentive retreats.

North Shore Nirvana 

Kahuku Farms.

The surfer’s paradise of Hale‘iwa offered charming boutiques, vibrant shave ice. Need a sustainable, flavourful group activity? Kahuku Farms’ fresh farm-to-plate meals. This spot’s got it all, plus açaí bowls worth the eight-year journey to perfect them.  

Stargazing & sunsets 

At Twin Fin Hotel’s Coconut Club, we savoured local cuisine with 180-degree ocean views. As the sun set, we gazed at the stars – because yes, this hotel offers private stargazing nights.

Hawai‘i, heaven on earth.

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