MAUI
INCENTIVE TRAVEL GUIDE
A PUBLICATION OF
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
HOTELS
Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui
Fairmont Kea Lani
Grand Wailea - A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Kaanapali
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Montage Kapalua Bay
ACTIVITIES
COMMENTARY
ISLAND EXPERIENCES
INTRODUCTION
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 voted the #1 vacation spot in the world for 20 consecutive
years by the readers of Conde Nast. 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.
The island’s northern Kapalua coastline is home to The Ritz-Carlton and the
luxurious Montage Kapalua Bay.
In between is Kaanapali, with a broad selection of more moderately priced
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.
3
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.
MAUI
KAPALUA
KAANAPALI
KAHULUI
HANA
WAILEA
HALEAKALA
THE VALLEY ISLE
LANDMARK
Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano crater in the world.
#1 ACTIVITY
Sunrise at Haleakala and biking down mountain.
FUN FACT
The largest Banyan tree in the world is found in Lahaina.
Originally planted as an 8 foot tree in 1873,
it spread to an entire acre.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
Start here – take your meeting or incentive trip here first.
4
01
HOTELS
WAILEA
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI
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.
6
WAILEA
FAIRMONT KEA LANI
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.
7
WAILEA
GRAND WAILEA – A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT
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 beautifully appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas, 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). The
pool could be a mini-waterpark, so it’s a great option for groups with
families. The Wailea beach is wide and gorgeous.
8
WAILEA
ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT
The Andaz Maui Resort at Wailea 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 297 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
Andaz is the new, cool kid on the block (or beach). 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.
9
KAANAPALI
HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT & SPA
The Hyatt Regency Maui is a wonderful blend of tropical luxury and authentic
Hawaiian heritage. The resort’s 806 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 Kaanapali 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
Kaanapali Beach. Whalers Village intersects the walkway with affordable
shopping options.
10
KAANAPALI
SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA
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.
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 all over the world.
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.
11
KAANAPALI
WESTIN MAUI RESORT & SPA, KAANAPALI
The Westin Maui offers as many or as few planned activities as you want for your
travel reward. 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 759 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.
FUN FACT
The Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters: A, E, H,
I K, L, M, N, O, P, U, W and the ‘okina (‘). The okina
is a glottal stop like the sound between the ohs in
“uh-oh” and is considered a consonant.
12
KAPALUA
THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Few hotels worldwide can boast of the extensive oceanfront expanse The RitzCarlton, Kapalua has to offer. In all, the development is spread over a historic 23,000acre 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 463 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.
MEETING PLANNER TIP
The Ritz is by itself up north on Kapalua. The plus: group rates are often
very attractive and it’s a retreat setting. The minus: not much nearby. The
Ritz beach, P.T. Fleming, is award winning. Kapalua is often 5 degrees
cooler from the trade winds. And, golfers love the PGA quality courses.
13
KAPALUA
MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY
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 50 suites—50! 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.
FUN FACT
Hawaii is the most isolated population center on
the face of the earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from
California, 3,850 miles from Japan, 4,900 miles from
China and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.
14
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
ZIPLINE OVER THE CANYONS
This five-line zipline tour offers almost three hours
of thrilling fun as you soar above trees, gulches, and
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.
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).
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.
16
ACTIVITIES
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.
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. 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.
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.
17
ACTIVITIES
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, and a large dive deck (including easy
waterway entry and exit).
ROAD TO HANA TOUR
The best way to enjoy the world-famous “Road to
Hana” is as a passenger – and preferably in an airconditioned, 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 onelane 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.
18
ACTIVITIES
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.
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.
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.
19
SPEAR ONE 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.
TRAVEL + LEISURE
CONDE NAST TRAVELER
World’s Best Awards
Readers’ Choice Awards
TOP 10 ISLANDS IN THE WORLD
TOP ISLANDS IN THE WORLD
Maui #2
Maui #3
Kauai #3
Kauai #4
Big Island #4
Big Island #10
Oahu #6
Oahu #16
20
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-beendone-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.
SPEAR ONE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Visit a different Hawaiian island every 3 years
for top-ranked islands, luxury hotels,
popular activities, and a varied mix of
world class experiences.
No two visits to Hawaii are ever the same.
Each island graciously promises something
different, something distinct, and something
tremendously popular for your
top-performing employees.
21
KAUAI
OAHU
MAUI
LANAI
BIG ISLAND
ISLAND
EXPERIENCES
MAUI
Start here - take your meeting or incentive trip here first.
MAUI
KAPALUA
KAANAPALI
KAHULUI
HANA
WAILEA
HALEAKALA
THE VALLEY ISLE
LANDMARK
Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano crater in the world
#1 ACTIVITY
Sunrise at Haleakala and biking down mountain
FUN FACT
The largest Banyan tree in the world is found in Lahaina.
Originally planted as an 8 foot tree in 1873, it spread to an
entire acre.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
Start here – take your meeting or incentive trip here first.
23
OAHU
Most walkable options for free time activities or lower budget.
OAHU
HAUULA
WAIALUA
KAILUA
PEARL HARBOR
HONOLULU
WAIKIKI
THE GATHERING PLACE
LANDMARK
Waikiki
#1 ACTIVITY
Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona
FUN FACT
Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu,
is the only Royal Palace in the USA.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
Most walkable options for free time activities or lower
budget.
24
KAUAI
Best for adventures.
PRINCEVILLE
KAUAI
NA PALI COAST
WAIMEA CANYON
KAPAA
LIHUE
POIPU
THE GARDEN ISLAND
LANDMARK
Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the
Pacific”
#1 ACTIVITY
Exploring the Na Pali Coast
FUN FACT
More than 60 Hollywood movies have been filmed here,
including Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Avatar.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
Best for adventures.
25
BIG ISLAND
Most diverse natural activities – check off your bucket list: “see volcano”.
KAPAUU
BIG ISLAND
WAIKOLOA
HILO
KAILUA KONA
HAWAII
HAWAII VOLCANOES
NATIONAL PARK
THE BIG ISLAND
LANDMARK
Kilauea Volcano
#1 ACTIVITY
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
FUN FACT
11 of 13 world’s climate zones are here, from tropical
rainforest to volcanic desert to polar tundra, due to the
shielding elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
Most diverse natural activities – check off your bucket
list: “see volcano”.
26
LANAI
If group is well-traveled, few have visited here, so Lanai offers a new experience.
LANAI
LANAI CITY
MANELE BAY
SECLUDED ISLAND WAS PINEAPPLE ISLAND
LANDMARK
Luahiwa Petroglyphs
#1 ACTIVITY
Munro Trail
FUN FACT
The entire island of Lanai was rented out in 1994
by Bill Gates for his wedding.
RECOMMENDATION
FOR GROUPS
If group is well-traveled, few have visited here,
so Lanai offers a new experience.
27
ABOUT SPEAR ONE
Spear One manages full-service meetings & events, incentive & recognition
programs, and employee engagement campaigns for enterprise clients with incomparable creativity, flexibility, and commitment to deliver results.
Meetings & Conventions magazine recognized Spear One as one of the Best
Places to Work in the Meetings Industry, and Incentive Magazine has awarded
its Motivation Masters award to Spear One client programs.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? COME SEE US!
DISCLOSURE:
Please use this information freely to benefit you and
your company! All we ask is that you cite Spear One, and
please consider us when you evaluate incentive program agencies.
Spear One
102 Decker Court, Suite 150
Irving, TX 75062
972.661.6000
www.spearone.com