Twenty-five years ago, when the White family of Canada decided to take an exceptional Christmas trip together, they picked Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages. The experience was so memorable that they have repeated the tradition every year since, adding children, grandchildren and friends to the mix. The west Kauai resort has even lined up an annual, personalized luau for the group, with all hands on deck as the pig is prepared for the imu (underground oven).
Hawaii sets a splendid stage for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, holidays and weddings, and its array of accommodations provides multigenerational travelers with a wealth of resources to make such trips successful and significant.
“With the reality of today’s families living apart from each other, sometimes around the world, Hawaii can be a convenient central gathering point,” said Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s (HVCB) senior vice president of marketing Jay Talwar. “Multigenerational travelers wanting to celebrate special occasions together in Hawaii will discover a tremendous amount of flexibility and choices for their entire party.”
According to a recent survey released by the Preferred Hotel Group, the multigenerational travel party is typically a larger-than-average crew, and its members are looking for easy turnkey vacations where someone else handles all the details. Hawaii resorts are responding with pro-active marketing programs such as group pricing, event packaging, multi-room deals, family-style meals, reunion activities and photographers to capture the highlights.
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For example, take the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, which sets high standards by customizing all-age pastimes such as a personal tour of the culturally rich region of Keauhou, a private excursion aboard a Hawaiian sailing canoe or even a family hula lesson. By the summer of 2012, this Hawaii Island hotel will have increased its suite inventory to 20, providing a greater variety of room choices for sleeping as well as socializing.
The Makena Beach and Golf Resort presents a range of opportunities for matchless multigenerational getaways as well. One popular option is a family snorkel and picnic sail on its 60-foot Kai Kanani catamaran, docked on the beach fronting the property. Come evening, wee ones crawl into grandparents’ laps during a customized stargazing session led by astronomer Rebecca Sydney — enhanced by a campfire, s’mores and high-tech telescopes.
On Oahu, Trump Waikiki goes to the limit to assist multigenerational families in making the most of their landmark holiday. Its Trump Attache — a dedicated vacation planner — coordinates activities targeting every age, from easy hikes to surfing lessons in Waikiki waters. The hotel makes sure that the family’s accommodations are all on the same floor. Creative chefs concoct dinner menus tailored to the affair, and the staff sets aside a festive space for group meals.
The St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai injects a real sense of place into its multigenerational offerings. For instance, a family that was recognizing a watershed birthday wanted to watch the 1958 movie, “South Pacific” — filmed right near the St. Regis — so the hotel dreamed up a movie night in a small meeting space, with munchies to boot. Extended clans can benefit by booking the St. Regis’ Love Your Family package, which ensures connecting rooms, a daily $100 resort credit and an all-inclusive dining option for kids 12 and younger.
Promoted as a perfect spot for reunions, Napili Kai Beach Resort plays to the crowd with four swimming pools, two shuffleboard courts, two putting greens — one for adults and another for children — coconut checkers, a fitness room, a boutique spa and barbecue facilities. Its reunion package treats the relatives to a one-hour photo session and T-shirts for young and old alike. The Maui haven guarantees specific room locations at the time of booking so members of the ensemble can stay close to each other — or far apart — as desired.
For peerless family flings, how about renting a Hawaii house or villa? Selling points include extra amenities, more living space, privacy and a comfortable, homey atmosphere, said Tropical Villa Vacations owner Irene Ann Aroner, who specializes in luxury home and villa rentals around the state.
“Our clients have brought their families to the islands for anniversaries, weddings or to showcase moments like the grandkids’ first visit to the beach or the last family trip before the oldest child goes off to college,” said Aroner. “One group celebrated two birthdays and Valentine’s Day during a recent February visit.”
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa touts its own unique alternative for multigenerational travelers: a complete buy-out of its Cabana Club, comprised of 17 beachfront cabana rooms and three cabana suites with private lanais and stargazing telescopes. The group also gets a customized evening reception.
“This package works well for occasions such as reunions and destination weddings,” said Waikoloa Beach Marriott general manager Bill Countryman. “While staying apart from other hotel guests, cabana residents can still experience our resort’s restaurants, swimming pools, spa, luau and beach.”
Which brings us to Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages, billed as a favorite retreat for Kauai family weddings. With 50 quaint cottages featuring kitchens in a serene 27-acre coconut grove, it sets a sweet stage for toasting a new marriage, complete with tiki torches and Polynesian entertainment.
As Hawaii’s accommodations stand ready to help families honor milestone events, they are getting a big assist from the destination’s dramatic natural riches, said HVCB’s Talwar.
“You can have a wedding on the beach, an anniversary picnic atop the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, or a birthday with your closest family members and friends with beautiful music and hula dancers,” he said. “The possibilities in Hawaii are only limited by your creativity.”
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| Families, such as this one at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, can work with Hawaii’s resorts to create a memorable celebration. // © 2012 Napili Kai Beach Resort/Richmond Family |
Resources
Hawaii resorts are going the distance to create unforgettable experiences for multigenerational families. Here are some options.
Hilton Waikoloa Village: The Dolphin Quest Family Package provides a customized, hands-on dolphin encounter shared by one and all. www.dolphinquest.com
Makena Beach and Golf Resort: Guests can take part in their own family golf tournament — with personalized prizes — documented by an on-course photographer. www.makenaresortmaui.com
Napili Kai Beach Resort: A Family Olympics rallies the kinfolk with easy, competitive games like bocce ball, Portuguese horseshoes, putting and shuffleboard. www.napilikai.com
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa: A private presentation about manta rays is followed by an opportunity to snorkel and dive with the giant rays. www.sheratonkeauhou.com
