Prevue May/June 2011 - (Page 44)

oahu a [ON LOCATION] DAWNA L. ROBERTSON s the sun slips behind the Koolau Mountains in Oahu, windward Oahu’s Kaaawa Valley slowly succumbs to dramatic shadows. You’re perched on the edge of an enormous Godzilla footprint envisioning a T Rex when. Taskmaster Kui McCarthy drills us on the value of clear communications and adjusting game plans, which we do repeatedly to avoid hitting the turf during the low ropes race. “When you’re at Kualoa, you don’t really have to invest your budget on decor,” Robinson says. “Why drape and hide its beauty? That’s been another wow factor with meeting planners. Every single space is fantastic.” stampede through Jurassic Park, which was filmed here. Or perhaps you’re consumed with thoughts of Lost survivors Hurley, Jack and Kate scrambling to outwit the malevolent “Others.” The curiously familiar Kualoa Ranch landscape that envelops you literally sets the stage for imaginations to run wild. Aside from its marquee role as a backdrop for blockbuster films and TV series, the 4,000-acre working ranch has diversified with recreational and eco-enterprises compatible with its lush environment. For the CMI market, it pays off handsomely. “It’s one of my favorites for day or night events,” says Frank Robinson, CEO of Oahu-based Island Events. “We’ve done everything at Kualoa from hosting a cocktail reception in a World War II bunker followed with a luau in a Hawaiian village to bringing 100 Cessna VIPs into the valley in helicopters for a campfire breakfast under a monkeypod tree.” Those early risers also picked activities that included ATV treks, horseback riding, botanical hikes, Pinzgauer expeditions and a movie set tour. Groups can also dive into Beach Olympics and ocean rec for 450 at Kualoa’s private Secret Island, or concerts and tented dinners overlooking “Chinaman’s Hat” island from the 1,000capacity Paliku Gardens. Our crew of 10 journalists tackles a trio of teambuilding challenges on a lawn fronting the 800 year-old Molii Fishpond, which was built to stash a steady supply of seafood way back monarchs + military milestones Kualoa Ranch is just one of Oahu’s distinctive venues often overshadowed by Waikiki’s tropical resort allure and cosmopolitan swagger. “Oahu is a vibrant, dynamic island destination that’s rich in history and character,” says Michael Murray, CMM/CMP, the VP of Sales/Marketing for CMI at the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. “Waikiki is great for relaxing and having fun, but groups venturing around Oahu discover some amazing stories and places instrumental in shaping the course of history for both the Hawaiian Islands and our nation as a whole.” Most regal among these is Iolani Palace, presenting a rare opportunity to gather in the only royal palace on U.S. soil. During the 19th century, Hawaii’s King David Kalakaua and sibling successor, Queen Liliuokalani, entertained world leaders and dignitaries in this opulent residence that boasted the marvels of electrical lights and telephones even before The White House. “We’ve had groups arrive with The King’s Guards standing sentry on the palace steps, enter on the red carpet to tour the palace throne room, then be ‘announced’ as they arrive onto a 44 | prevue magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2011

Omni ChampionsGate Kissimmee
Beijin + China Travel Service
Radisson Blu
Atlanta/Las Vegas/Toronto
Clean The World
The New Luxury
Lausanne Palace, Switzerland
The Call of The Sea
PGA National Resort, Florida
St. Augustine + Ponte Vedra
Oahu
Groups Gone Gaming
South Africa
Scotland

Prevue May/June 2011