Volcanic Activity Illuminates Renewal on the Island of Hawaii

Maunaloa, one of five volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, made history this past November when lava flowed from its crater. It had been nearly 40 years since the last eruption. Then just six weeks later on January 5, Kilauea erupted. For the native Hawaiians, these remarkable lava flows have deep spiritual and natural significance. The rebirth and newly formed land fuses past and future and is a time to honor and reflect ancestors via offerings.

Hawaii consistently receive high satisfaction ratings among event attendees. Hawaii’s diverse landscapes provide a range of venue options and experiences.

“The island of Hawaii is open for group business, with new and exciting offerings to inspire productive meetings, incentive trips and events,” said John Reyes, senior vice president and chief meetings, conventions and incentives sales officer of Meet Hawaii. 

Memorable and purposeful ecological volunteerism can also be part of the appeal.

“Planners can also incorporate enriching corporate social responsibility opportunities that will allow their attendees to mālama (care for) our natural resources while learning about the island’s rich history and culture,” said Reyes. 

Mālama Hawaii

In the Hawaiian culture, both the locals (kama’aina) and visitors must care for the land (mālama ʻāina). Here groups can experience a deeper connection to the people, place and culture while making a positive impact. Hawaii Island volunteer experiences are vast. Here are two of the most popular activities: 

• Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is dedicated to conserving and supporting native plant resources and the associated traditional land use and cultural practices.

• Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative is a community driven non-profit that cares for the dryland forest of Waikōloa. Leave a legacy in the dryland forest by helping to restore this special ecosystem through native planting, seed collection, and weed management. Volunteers will spend the morning learning about the unique history and ecology of Waikōloa and lending their energy and hands to the restoration efforts that are ongoing in the preserve. 

Destination Update

Meet Hawaii launched a digital meeting planner with visual assets, detailed fact sheets and comprehensive information on Hawaii’s convention services.

Kailani Tours debuted the “Volcano Express” tour, with 8a.m. and 3p.m. departures from Waikoloa and Kailua-Kona. The tour highlights Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kīlauea, which is currently erupting within Halema‘uma‘u crater. With minimal stops along the way, the tour maximizes guests’ time at the park, while minimizing time on the road. 

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is planning to reopen in 2023. The Hilton Grand Vacations is starting room renovations this year and Arc of Hilo just announced a new rentals space.