Corporate Event and Meeting Planner Guide to Hawaii's Big Island

Hawaii landscape

Tropical year-round weather and an abundance of beautiful places to explore has cemented Hawaii as the mecca of corporate events. The Island of Hawai'i, or the “Big Island,” is the largest and youngest of all the Hawaiian Islands. At almost twice the size of all the other islands combined, the Big Island has nearly endless activities, adventures and experiences for your group to choose from. And, interestingly enough, thanks to volcanic activity the island is still growing by dozens of acres each year. That means the Big Island is getting even bigger adventures — just in time for your corporate event.

If you're a meeting planner considering Hawaii, the Island of Hawai'i is one of the easier islands to access, with two major airports — Kona (KOA) on the west and Hilo (ITO) on the east. Travel time from the US is about 6 hours (west coast) to 10 hours (east coast) — but the destination really is worth the effort. The Big Island has plenty of quintessential Hawaiian offerings — cultural experiences, pristine oceans, and gorgeous beaches. But the Island is also home to diverse climate regions, from the snowcapped Maunakea to black sand shores to ancient volcanoes. So, no matter what your group is interested in, the Big Island has it on offer.

The thing is, with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start or what exactly to book. That's where an experienced destination management company can work its magic to guide you through the process and set you up for success. Pure Local Services has professionals who have been planning events in Hawaii for decades — and we want to share that expertise with you. We're armed with a brand-new online planning tool that makes your job easier than ever and ensures a perfect itinerary based on your unique group. We don't believe in one-size- fits-all meeting plans.

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Select destinations, activities, venues and more for your next corporate meeting or event.
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Simple and Quick Meeting Planning Process

Staffed by experienced professionals and partnered with vetted local providers, Pure Local Services has all the resources and capabilities on hand to curate an unforgettable corporate event on the Big Island. What truly sets us apart is our brand-new, revolutionary meeting planning software designed to make destination management easier and faster than ever. Request Builder is a simple, user-friendly online tool that allows you to easily explore a vetted list of destinations, activities, venues and other local offerings. You simply peruse options on the Big Island and learn more about which ones catch your interest. Browse on your own time and without any pressure so you can make sure you're finding exactly the experiences that will fit your group's needs, budgets and goals. Request Builder is so low pressure that we don't even ask for your email address until you've finished browsing and it's so flexible that you can use it on your phone or at home on your own time.

To use the tool, select “Big Island” as your chosen destination and you'll be served a list of possible activities, venues, restaurants and more. Enter your dates to see what your entertainment and seasonal options will be at that time. Each option can be expended to learn more about the experience and help you decide which ones would be the best fit for your corporate program.

You can browse for as long as you want and when you're ready, add the options you're most interested in to your online request and click Submit. From there, we'll build a proposal for your itinerary based on your choices. We'll send you a polished proposal full of curated lined up to experiences we think will be a perfect fit for your group based on your preferences. The whole process is hassle-free and simple to navigate.

You can also learn more about other locations besides the Big Island. We have a network of nationwide partners ready to design incredible proposals that will bring your group together in some of the world's most beautiful destinations. And a perfect place to start is Hawaii's Big Island — so let's get started telling you everything you need to know about planning an event or program there.

Meeting planner using phone

Local Hawaii Destination Management

The other hallmark piece of the Pure Process is our local partnerships we've carefully vetted in each of our destinations. This approach ensures you're getting the most out of Hawaii from those who know it best. When you partner with us, you're really partnering with Hawaii locals who can give you all the insider tips and information. Our relationships provide partner discounts and exclusive access to truly authentic Hawaiian experiences. We select our partners carefully and only choose those who bring unique value to our clients.

Besides ensuring your event gets the genuine Hawaiian treatment, utilizing our partners is a great way to support the local economy. We want Hawaii to be able to host us for years to come, and supporting these partners directly helps them keep our favorite experiences open and available.

In addition, we've also found that our clients are more satisfied with their corporate meeting when they take an active role in local sustainability efforts. Everyone likes to know they are making a difference and we love providing ways for your group to make a positive impact during their time in Hawaii. Choose from options like donating a portion of proceeds to a local charity, volunteering in a local effort like rainforest restoration, or schedule a presentation for your group to learn about issues affecting Hawaii — and how they can help. Supporting local economies is a win for everyone — and that's why Pure Local champions our partners.

Volunteers in rain forest

Your Hawaii Meeting Planner

With such a huge variety of activities, venues and restaurants across the Big Island, you'll definitely have an exciting itinerary for your group. But as a popular destination with so many choices, the Island of Hawai'i can be overwhelming for meeting planners. Enter: Pure Local Services. We'll help you find hidden gems and one-of-a-kind experiences that are perfect for your group's preferences and goals. We'll also give you the best options for venues, accommodations and dining on Hawai'i. Whether your group is large or intimate, you're here for a quick getaway or a long retreat, Pure Local is your Hawaii destination management expert that can handle everything on your to-do list.

Corporate Activities in Hawaii

You already know that when you choose Hawaii as your destination, you're signing up for beautiful beaches and gorgeous blue ocean. But that's just the beginning of the activities you can plan on the Big Island of Hawaii. Take your group from water to land — and even to the air — to experience paradise in all its glory.

If you're taking your group to Hawaii, it's not a question of if you'll be booking some water activities; it's which ones you'll choose. For a more active experience, schedule a deep sea fishing expedition where your group can learn from local experts and get front-seat ocean views. Or, plan a paddleboarding experience in a calm bay near your accommodations. You can even take everyone snorkeling to see Hawaii's abundant marine life up close. Go from the shore or schedule a boat trip to a local's favorite snorkeling hotspot. If your group needs more time to relax, schedule a sunset cruise or whale watching expedition. The views are tough to beat and your group will love having this one-of-a-kind experience together.

Though known for its pristine beaches, Hawaii also has some incredible inland experiences you don't want to miss. Rent bikes for a two-wheel island tour (get e-bikes to accommodate more ability levels!) or take a tour of a local coffee farm tour — and don't forget to sample the fresh brew! You can schedule an ATV adventure on a private course to see stunning tropical views or book a horseback ride through a local open range working ranch. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, take everyone to new heights with a guided hike through the cloud forest to the Hualalai Volcano eruption site. There are countless ways to explore the island and we know the very best routes and tips to show you the best inland spots.

If you want a completely unique view of Hawai'i, we suggest you take to the air. Your group will love a zipline adventure through paradise where they can get a thrill ride over breathtaking views. And if you're wanting to go even higher, book a helicopter excursion to see everything on one magnificent tour of the island. Take in volcanoes, ocean views, tropical forests, and roaring waterfalls all with the help of our trusted, experienced guides.

Group on a hike in tropical forest

Venue Selection on Hawaii's Big Island

Pure Local has a list of local venues that we trust to help your group meeting feel memorable, comfortable and impactful. All of our venues have plenty of space, amenities and stellar views to make your group feel at home in paradise.

Add some historical significance to your group meeting by reserving one of our historic venues that is a hotspot of Hawaiian culture. One of our favorites is the Ranch at Hawi, a culturally significant venue dating back to 400 A.D. Or, stay at Anna Ranch, the historic home of “The First Lady of Ranching” in Hawai'i. Learn how her life shaped island culture while basking in the green mountain views of a working ranch.

If you're looking for spacious accommodations, we certainly have some ideas. We have other ranch and farm partnerships that offer panoramic views and sprawling grounds for your guests to enjoy. We can guarantee that when you come to stay on the Big Island, we'll find a place s perfect your guests won't want to leave.

panoramic views of ranch

Corporate Dining Options in Hawaii

We can't talk about a Hawaiian event without planning some delicious options for group dining. We know some amazing places with oceanside outdoor patios to keep the beach vibes going strong. Or, if you're eating during a rainy spell or just want a sun break, we know the best indoor spots that will comfortably seat your whole group. Many of our favorite restaurants also offer live music to give you the full aloha treatment throughout your meal. Whether you're looking for something relaxed and friendly or something more upscale, we have the best recommendations for meals that will make your group rave.

Treat your group to authentic Hawaiian flavors from renown local chefs and authentic, mouthwatering dishes. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood prepared in Hawaiian delicacies, tropical fruit picked right on the island, and delicious desserts, cocktails, and treats made to order especially for your group. With so many working farms and ranches having access to fresh ingredients, farm-to-table dishes simply taste better in Hawaii. But, don't take our word for it; you've got to sample it yourself!

fresh seafood on beachfront table

End-to-End Destination Management Services

Pure Local Services is powered by Request Builder and a commitment to authentic local services — but our expertise goes far deeper than generating proposals. We provide comprehensive destination management services for your entire planning and implementing process. From initial site selection and proposal creation to contract negotiation, we make sure to create a plan that maximizes your budget to meet your goals. And we'll be there throughout the entire program itself, too. We can handle needs you have such as themed events and décor, audio/visual setup, and entertainment bookings for any group size or occasion. We also have creative designers to make your marketing and promotional materials look professional, on- brand, and engaging.

We're also transportation and logistics experts so we're happy to handle all the travel plans to get your group where they need to be. We can arrange airport transportation, flights, and on- island travel needs to avoid any headaches for your group.

In addition, we're trained in sponsor and exhibitor management to make sure your relationships remain top priority. We carefully curate giveaways that feature souvenirs from local vendors we trust and want to support. Throughout the entire process, we're here to help you focus on relationship-building by handling all the planning and logistics.

Pure Local Services offers support in all the following areas:

  • Curated activities
  • Themed events and décor
  • Transportation and program logistics
  • Staffing
  • Creative design
  • Audio/Visual
  • Gifting, Awards and Amenities
  • Sponsor and Exhibitor Management
  • Site Selection and Contract Negotiation
Meeting planner consulting with client

Try our Interactive Request Builder

Select destinations, activities, venues and more for your next corporate meeting or event.
Get a proposal back within 24 hours. The future is now!

Begin planning your Hawaii corporate event

Now that you've learned about the many opportunities for a corporate event on the Big Island of Hawai'i, you're probably eager to begin planning for paradise. With the right destination management company, you can unlock the secrets to Island of Hawai'i and create an unforgettable meeting for your group. Let Pure Local help you plan the perfect Hawaii event, using our experience, knowledge and skills to make the entire process easier than ever.

Start by trying Request Builder, our specially designed planning tool that quickly and comprehensively shows you what's on offer in Hawaii and simplifies meeting proposals like never before. With Pure Local, planning is fun, low-pressure, and so easy. And to us, that deserves an Aloha!