Prevue September/October 2015 - (Page 46)

Hawaii The aloha tradition plays an active role in Hawaiian meetings [ON LOCATION] JESSIE FETTERLING M ythology and the aloha spirit are alive and very much thriving in Hawaii. For instance, don't take any piece of the land out of Hawaii, especially lava rock, which can bring bad luck from Pele, the goddess of wind, lightning, fire and volcanoes. If you pick an ohi'a lehua flower, bring your umbrella. Giving back to the land and saying aloha for all it has to offer is also an age-old tradition that still rings true. In fact, most of the properties in the state have a cultural director to help attendees explore this message. During our cultural tour at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay on Hawaii, the Big Island, Lily Dudoit, the resort's director of culture and leisure activities, led us through the resort's on-site Kaukulaelae Historical Tour. At several of the walking-tour stops along Keauhou Bay, Dudoit discussed the area's history as a fishing village and as the place where King Kamehameha III was born. She also shared her belief that the spirit of the Menehune (mythological dwarfs) lives on at the property, as one of the on-site tree trunks mimics the muscular bodies of the tiny men. She said that the Menehune have even appeared in some photos that were taken close to the tree. Dudoit's Aloha Oli chant to say thanks, or mahalo, for allowing all of us to be there was a real testament to the vibrant hyperlocal experiences that await groups. Facing the ocean, we fell silent as she chanted, concluding her thought with, "The more we care for the land, the more it will care for us." 42 | prevue magazine HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND Sheraton's story is one of many that encourages Hawaiian culture and traditions to remain authentic on Hawaii, the Big Island. Locals stay true to their roots-perhaps because Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, stands as a constant reminder of the power of nature and why it is important to give back to the land. This seize-the-day outlook on life is why visitors can expect a more laidback lifestyle, with daytime activities aplenty but very few businesses open past 9:00 p.m. The best way to get a better understanding of the island is via helicopter. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers several tours that showcase the island's highlights, with everything from volcanoes to waterfalls. The Kohala Coast Adventure, for instance, will take attendees over thousand-foot-high waterfalls while dipping into the lush, green valleys of the Kohala Mountains. The picture-perfect experience feels straight from the opening scene of Jurassic Park- Facing the ocean, we fell silent as she chanted, concluding her thought with, "The more we care for the land, the more it will care for us."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue September/October 2015

Planner’s Pick: Santa Fe
Fresh Meets: Grupo Posadas Expands Into US
Bureau Buzz: Detroit CVB
Good Business: Singapore Tourism Board
Sea Shores: Cuba: Pioneering a “New” World
On the Verge
MILLENNIAL MINDSET
THE WEST
GATEWAY CANYONS
HAWAII
On Location: Costa Rica
On Location: Langham Place New York
On Location: Norfolk
CALGARY
Checkout: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Prevue September/October 2015