Hawaii Guide to Meeting, Conventions & Incentives

FACTS & HIGHLIGHTS The Hawaiian Islands were born of volcanoes millions of years ago and discovered by Polynesian voyagers who arrived in outrigFA C T S & H I G H L I G H T S ger sailing canoes some 1,500 years ago. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants from many other lands joined the native Hawaiians. What resulted is a unique, multi-ethnic and diverse society that characterizes the paradise that has evolved into the Hawai‘i of today. This island kingdom became a territory of the United States in the late 19th century and was admitted as the 50th State in 1959. C U LT U R E ~ Hawai‘i’s people are descended from Polynesians, Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, Okinawans, Puerto Ricans, Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asians. No ethnic group is in a majority here. ~ Festivals and parades celebrating this diverse heritage are held throughout the year. You might coordinate tours and programs to have your attendees enjoy these unique events. ~ The history of the ancient Hawaiian people was preserved through mele (chant) and hula (dance) and is still practiced today. ~ The HVCB can provide your group members with a comprehensive list of popular cultural attractions. GEOGRAPHY ~ Hawai‘i is on the same latitude as Mexico City, Hong Kong and the Sahara Desert. The average annual temperature is 77°F (25°C). ~ Time Zone: Hawai‘i Standard Time is GMT -10. ~ The land area of the six major islands that make up Hawai‘i is roughly equal to that of Connecticut. Over 70 percent of the population resides on the island of O‘ahu. ~ Hawai‘i’s location in the middle of the Pacific resulted in many exotic species of plants and animals that exist no where else in the world. ~ Hawai‘i’s Big Island is twice the size of the other islands combined and is the site of the active volcano, Kılauea. ¯ THE ARTS ~ During free time periods, those in your group who want to experience more of the story of Hawai‘i may look into the more than 90 museums and cultural attractions that operate throughout the islands. ~ Many galleries in downtown Honolulu, Lahaina and Makawao ¯ on Maui, Kapa‘a on Kaua‘i and the Volcano Art Center on Hawai‘i’s Big Island showcase modern art in Hawai‘i. ACTIVITIES environment to deliver the dividend of rejuvenation and relaxation. ECONOMY ~ Hawai‘i enjoys a diversified economy consisting of tourism, agriculture, military, manufacturing, finance, transportation, technology, education, health services, communications and construction. ~ Hawai‘i attracts significant investment from the Asia/Pacific region. ~ Hawai‘i’s expanding technology base is leading to increased productivity and ensures Hawai‘i’s ability to compete in a global economy. ~ Currency is U.S. Dollar. ~ Hawai‘i has a 4.166 percent general excise tax for most business activities and a 11.416 percent accommodations tax. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/tax. ~ Hawai‘i is one of the world’s foremost golfing destinations with beautiful and challenging golf courses on every island. ~ Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine has made Hawai‘i a fine dining destination in league with the best. ~ Outdoor pastimes abound from relaxing on our miles and miles of incredible beaches to getting physical with any number of active choices. ~ Spas and wellness centers team up with Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and pristine Lana‘i and Moloka‘i are ¯ relatively small in size and population. Either is a great choice for executive retreats. Nevertheless, after the meetings adjourn, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy and it will seem your attendees have the whole island to themselves. ~ The Hawai‘i State Ballet, the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and Hawaii Opera Theatre are popular performance companies. ~ Hawai‘i is strategically located at the center— geographically and culturally—of the Asia Pacific region. 17 http://www.hawaii.gov/tax

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hawaii Guide to Meeting, Conventions & Incentives

Contents Sales & Convention Services Destination Hawai‘i The Hawai‘i Advantage The Crossroads of the Pacific Transportation & Shipping Incentive Travel The Hawai‘i Convention Center Public & Private Venues Frequently Asked Questions Facts & Highlights Six Islands, Six Experiences! O‘ahu Maui Lana‘i Moloka‘i Hawai‘i’s Big Island Kaua‘i Destination Management Companies Meeting Planner Services Order Form

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.