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HOW TO BOOK: Reservations may be made by filling out this reservation form (also available as a Word doc) and submitting it with your payment to Meetings By Design (address is on pg. 3 of the form). Questions? Email LCCtrips@meetingsbydesign.com FEATURED CONFERENCE TRIPS:
Spectacular geologic events are happening on the Big Island, affording the best time in years to witness these natural wonders. We’ve arranged an exclusive adventure for you with the best eco-tour operator on the Island. What can compare to the spectacular glow of lava flowing over the landscape at twilight? Our exclusive event explores the natural history of the island while expert “naturalist” guides explain the geologic life cycle of the island as you travel from its ancient valleys to Volcanoes National Park, where new earth forms before your eyes. Our comfortable luxury van makes several stops in the park to explore the exciting features of this active landscape. Depending on current conditions, you’ll either stop at Halemaumau Crater to witness the glowing red gas vent, or travel to the active lava flow entering the ocean. Either way, you’ll be treated to a truly memorable volcanic experience. Includes: entrance fee, flashlights, warm wear, walking sticks, delicious hot dinner, beverages, hot cocoa and cookies
Big Island Discovery—Circle Island Tour—Conference Exclusive Relax in the comfort of our deluxe motor coach and enjoy a day of touring the Big Island. Your day begins with a stop to taste the famed Kona coffee and view the coffee plantation. You will then journey on to the Place of Refuge, a historical site where ancient Hawaiians in time of battle could escape death if they could reach this sacred refuge. Your next stop will be Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you will see the all the park highlights, including the Jagger Museum, Thurston Lava Tube, walk through the Fern Forest, a see the steam vents from Halemaumau crater. You’ll visit one of the Big Island’s famed black sand beaches and will visit the an Orchid Nursery. Next we’ll stop in Hilo where you will get a chance to walk around historical downtown Hilo. You’ll drive along the beautiful Hamakua Coast through the rain forest to the lovely Akaka Falls. From there we’ll head back to your hotel with a drive through Parker Ranch lands. Price: $113
How often do you have a chance to visit an 8500-acre working ranch with panoramic views and beautiful sunsets over North Kohala and Maui? After a 30 minute narrated drive through various climate zones, you'll be wined and dined as if visiting family friends, and the ranch manager will entertain you with stories of the ranch's past and present, as well as the sustainable ranching practices that make Kahua unique. Sit and watch the colors go from green to red to black as the night sky appears or try your hand at one of the many activities available: Horseshoes, roping, stargazing (through a deluxe telescope), photo shoot with a very mellow mare or branding yourself a personal souvenir. A delicious ranch-style barbecue produced by Kahua Ranch and other local farmers is followed by s'mores in the fragrant mesquite fire pit. After dinner, you'll be serenaded by one of the excellent "paniolo" musicians and may even find yourself out on the dance floor. Highly recommended! Price: $119 (adults); $59 (child 6-12); 5 and under free
Welcome to a tour that takes you from the oldest corner of the Big Island to the newest land on earth. You will discover the diversity of the utopia Hawaiians call home. Begin your full day excursion to Kilauea Volcano with a continental breakfast, as you travel the remote and spectacular Saddle Road. One of the top naturalists on the island will lead you through this heritage site that encompasses the world's most active volcano. A rich history of myths, legends, and stories surround an incredible collection of geologic, plant, bird and insect wonders. Whether in hot pursuit of an active lava flow, hiking into a pit crater, or exploring a lava tube, your guide will inform and entertain as he recounts unique stories of Hawaiian natural history. The focus is on Volcanoes National Park, but we're sure you'll also enjoy the beautiful Hamakua Coast with its picturesque plantation towns, the Parker Ranch and upcountry Waimea. Price: $169 (adults); $129 (child 12 and under)
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Saturday 3/7, Sunday 3/8 and Thursday 3/12: PM Snack Cruise available by request: snacks ONLY
Kohala Kayak & Snorkel Eco-Adventure The beauty of the nearby marine sanctuary at Puako Reef and the excellent staff and equipment of our Kayaking outfitter make this day among green sea turtles and multicolored fish a rare treat! You’ll begin your adventure with a brief orientation on paddling technique and some instruction on how to get in and out of the kayak. You’ll paddle for about 30 minutes to the first snorkel spot where instruction will be provided for first-time snorkelers (buoyant vests available). The variety of tropical fish you’ll see in this 20’ deep home is quite remarkable. While no kayak experience is necessary, everyone should know how to swim as you’ll be going out past the reef. Price: $79 (adults); $59 (8-11)
Mauna Kea Summit & Stars Adventure
Price: $185 for all (minimum age 16)
Date: Exclusive on Wednesday 3/11 This tour will concentrate on the historical North Kohala coast which will include a visit to Parker Ranch, the paniolo country of the Big Island. You will encounter a landscape filled with historical landmarks that include the original King Kamehameha statue, Kalahikiola Church, and Mo'okini Heiau, which is regarded as the oldest pre-Western contact temple of worship. Also to be found in the North Kohala region are the remnants of a once thriving sugar industry of the 1880s, which is still visible in the many old storefronts of Hawi & Kapaau towns. When you're finished visiting the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au, Highway 270 will lead you through North Kohala's fertile pasture lands, dense forests, and ultimately to Pololu Valley, which offers one of the best scenic view lookouts on the island. Price: $75
Rainforest and Dryforest Birding
Price: Adult/Child (8+): $179 plus tax; limited to 10 guests. Waipi'o Valley on Horseback
Price: $85 for all (minimum age: 8)
 Sunset Sail
Dates: Tuesday 3/10, Wednesday 3/11, Thursday 3/12 Other times available upon request Enjoy a relaxing sail on a catamaran, while watching one of the most spectacular aspects of Hawaii: Sunset. There is really nothing more soothing than to relax with food and beverage while the waves lap against the boat. A wonderful way to spend time with friends and family! Free transportation is provided to Kawaihae Harbor. Must bring photo ID with you for this trip. Sail with Buffet Dinner:
From December through April, the spectacular Humpback Whales migrate south and are often sighted off shore. Every year, from winter to early spring, hundreds of these leviathans, up to 45 feet in length and weighing 30 tons, migrate about 3,600 miles from Alaska to mate, give birth and fast in our tropical seas. 8 AM Trip: Leaves from the beach at the Marriott. 3 PM Whales and Cocktails Cruise: Includes snacks and an open bar. Leaves from the beach at the Marriott. Helicopter—Big Island Spectacular Dates: Available upon request. Even in paradise, time is a precious commodity. An expedition into this heavenly realm can take as little as an hour. Experience paradise from the perspective of the gods, and get a bird's-eye view of active lava flow! Discover both the Big Island's lush rainforests and its volcanic fury on this inclusive tour. Frommer's Guide to Hawaii calls our operator "the Cadillac of helicopter tour companies," and their commitment to safety and service have earned them the only Five-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences every year since 1995. Price: $400 for A-Star; $450.00 for ECO-Star . Fuel Surcharges will apply. |
Twilight in the Park and Lava After Dark Adventure
Evening at Kahua Ranch—Conference Exclusive 
Kilauea Volcano Adventure
Your destination is Kealakekua Bay meaning "Pathway of the Gods," a designated marine sanctuary affording the calmest and clearest waters for exploring the magnificent and abundant fish, coral and other marine life of the Big Island. Recipient of Frommers’ Travel Guides highest rating, Fairwind works with the state as stewards of this underwater paradise. You’ll motor a short distance through the historic and smooth coastal waters south of Kona on a comfortable 60-foot catamaran with all the amenities. As the captain anchors you in a prime spot near the Captain Cook Monument, you’ll learn a bit of Hawaiian history before descending the custom staircases that allow you to walk in and out of the water with ease. If you’re not accustomed to snorkeling, they’ll tempt you with their view-window boogie boards, inner tubes and view boxes, but the great visibility (up to 100 feet) makes the spacious sundeck or cabin another option. Enjoy the BBQ lunch and, for the adventurous, don't miss the 15-foot waterslide and high-dive! A wonderful trip for all ages (playpens provided) and swimming abilities—prescription masks provided. 
Everyone we've ever sent on this tour has returned describing it as a once in a lifetime experience. After stopping for a gourmet dinner and acclimatization at a scenic highland ranch, you will travel to the summit of Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) for unprecedented views including the mountain's world-class array of telescopes, surrounding volcanic geography and the famous Mauna Kea sunset. You then descend to 9,000 ft for a star party and entertaining "talk story" with an expert astronomer where you will marvel at the brilliance of the Hawaiian sky from one of the best spots on earth. Includes picnic dinner, exclusive group telescope, warm gear, and snacks.
In the Rainforest your destination is the Puu Oo Trail, a historic cattle drive route, located at the 6,000 foot level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern flank. This is the windward side of the island, and is often cloaked in misty clouds. It is enchanting to be serenaded by the forest birds as you make our way over three to four miles of sometimes rough lava trail, crossing over the 1855 and 1881 lava flow. Some of the avifauna you’ll hope to see along the way are iiwi, apapane, amakihi, omao, elepaio, and the elusive akiapolaau, with its unique multipurpose beak. Many of these are found in the ohia and koa canopy.
Join us on a leisurely ride through the beautiful and mystical Waipi'o Valley, the "Valley of Kings." Experienced local guides and beautiful horses take you on a journey through a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, fresh water streams, waterfalls, and taro fields tended as they have been for generations. The van trip down the steep valley wall to the stables below is as stunning as the ride itself.
Whale Watch Cruise 
The tour begins with a wonderful drive of contrast and change from the dry-side resort area to the lush green country of Kohala and offers one of Hawaii's most spectacular coastal views. Then the real fun begins, with a bumpy but short four-wheel drive ride on an old cane road to our trailhead. Out of the van, and along the 1.5 mile loop trail you'll see tunnels blasted and carved from solid rock, walk over an aqueduct on two bridges, and learn the story of the tremendous effort it took to build an irrigation system stretching over 22 miles. Seven beautiful waterfalls grace the trail. Bring your bathing suit and take a refreshing dip in the last pool we visit!
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