Hawaii Event Planning with Hosts Global: A Multi-Island Immersion

with Lizzy Styles, VP of Creative Strategy & Event Design

When you plan events for a living, you’re always chasing that next big idea, the perfect backdrop, the kind of experience that doesn’t just impress…it inspires. And if you’re even a little curious about Hawaii (and really, who isn’t?), then you understand why our recent journey across Oʻahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii was anything but ordinary. This wasn’t just a site visit. It was a rediscovery of what makes the islands a planner’s dream and why Hawaii event planning continues to top every must-host list.

Alongside Hosts Hawaii’s SVP & Regional General Manager Josh Jones and our National VP of Operations Gina D’Angelo, I dove headfirst into the spirit of Aloha—not just seeing the islands but truly experiencing them. What we found was a vibrant mix of luxury, authenticity, and connection that will shape every program we create in 2026 and beyond. 

Island #1: The Big Island—Rugged Beauty Meets Refined Experiences 

The Island of Hawaii is a study in contrasts. It greets you with lava fields and luxe resorts, small-town charm and sweeping, cinematic vistas. While I’d visited other islands before, the Big Island was new to me—and it didn’t disappoint. 

Our stops at the Four Seasons Hualālai, Mauna Lani Auberge, and Fairmont Orchid revealed spaces where event design feels effortless: open-air venues, restaurant buyouts, and dramatic drives that set the tone before guests even check in. There’s something powerful about arriving via a winding road carved through black lava. 

We met with creative partners like Kea & Loa Event Rentals and Nalu Creative, who immediately felt like part of the Hosts Global family. Their commitment to sustainability, cultural authenticity, and visual storytelling aligns beautifully with our ethos. 

And then there were the gems off the beaten path: Rising Kona Coffee Farm offered an immersive tasting and farm tour perfect for hands-on activations, while Kona Sea Salt Farm proved ideal for intimate gatherings with a strong sense of place—think ocean views, curated tastings, and wellness workshops. 

For that signature “wow” moment? Night swimming with manta rays under the stars. There’s no better metaphor for what we do: creating unforgettable, transformative experiences that guests will talk about long after they return home. 

Island #2: Maui—Luxury, Local Flavor, and Lush Landscapes 

Maui is every bit the island fantasy. Verdant cliffs, golden beaches, and that late-afternoon glow that makes every photo look like a postcard. But beyond its obvious beauty, Maui offers layered opportunities for event planners. 

At the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons Maui, and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, we imagined immersive arrivals, flow-friendly breakouts, and gala dinners that could spill from ballroom to beachfront. These properties combine luxury with flexibility—a dream combo for planners who want to push creative boundaries without sacrificing ease. 

But it wasn’t all five-star sites. The heart of Maui lives in its details. A sunrise açaí bowl on the beach. Food trucks glowing under string lights. Conversations with the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau that grounded our big ideas in local wisdom. A helicopter ride over Hāna sparked fresh storytelling concepts, while surf lessons turned into unexpected team-building gold. 

Maui reminded us that true luxury isn’t just about lavish spaces—it’s about emotional resonance, connection, and culture. It’s this balance that makes Hawaii event planning on Maui so rich with potential.

Island #3: Oʻahu—Island Energy with a City Beat 

If the Big Island is grounded and Maui is romantic, Oʻahu is pure pulse. It moves fast, shines bright, and invites you to keep up. But it also knows how to pause, breathe, and reflect. 

Waikīkī welcomed us with that electric blend of city rhythm and island ease. At Pearl Harbor, we found not just history, but purpose—a reminder that meaningful programming can happen anywhere, especially when tied to legacy and emotion. 

Our venue journey spanned the historic Moana Surfrider, the chic Four Seasons Ko Olina, and the laid-back luxury of Turtle Bay Resort. Each property told a different story, giving us tools to tailor programs to any group vibe. 

Of course, the North Shore was a highlight—poke bowls, spontaneous swims, a surprise sea lion encounter, and the scent of fresh pineapple wafting through our Jeep windows. That’s the kind of magic you can’t script, but you can design around. 

Our meetings with the Oʻahu Visitors Bureau and Meet Hawaii gave us the insider edge: what’s trending, what’s timeless, and how to stay ahead of the curve in one of the most dynamic markets in the Pacific. 

Ready to Create Something Unforgettable in Hawaii? 

At Hosts Hawaii, we’re not just about logistics—we’re about layering heart, heritage, and innovation into every experience. With deep relationships on each island and a pulse on what moves guests, we’re ready to help you craft events that go beyond beautiful—they become unforgettable. 

Let’s bring your vision to life, island by island.