HANALEI, Kauai As Hanalei Colony Resort develops more programs for
its burgeoning special events facility, it’s positioning itself as
a prime destination for health and wellness enthusiasts and small
groups seeking an immersion into Kauai’s rural North Shore.
For the past two years, the 5-acre low-rise resort has operated
the facility called Makana (gift) primarily for weddings. “Several
of our guests and groups asked about using Makana for small
meetings and events, so we decided to embark on a new adventure,”
said the resort’s general manager, Laura Beemer. “Now the facility
has come alive with a variety of daytime and evening
activities.”
The 3,000-square-foot beachfront building, originally operated
as Charo’s Restaurant, sits adjacent to the resort. Hanalei Colony
pays 10 percent commission to travel agents who book it for events,
as well as 10 percent on guestrooms booked at the resort. For
bookings of three or more units at the resort, Hanalei Colony
extends discounted group rates for Makana functions.
The layout in Makana, which holds as many as 150 comfortably, is
flexible enough to handle elegant dinners, meditation sessions or
high-tech meetings. “It’s particularly well-suited for wellness
groups,” said Beemer.
That in mind, the resort now offers twice-weekly yoga classes
and Monday night wellness talks in Makana.
Other ongoing events in Makana include mai tai parties for
resort guests on Tuesday nights and Wednesdays are reserved for
Tahiti Nui Luau, a decades-old institution on the North Shore. On
Friday mornings, guests are invited to gather in Makana for
continental breakfast and lei-making classes. The public can stop
by for Friday evening Pau Hana (after work) festivities, including
happy hour drinks, local music and casual food like mahimahi tacos
and coconut-fried shrimp. “The ambience is fun,” Beemer said. “It’s
a mix of guests and locals, with lots of laughter.”
Makana’s interior features Mediterranean tile floors, open-beam
vaulted ceilings, skylights and wall-to-wall windows. The walls are
accented with bamboo, and Polynesian-style tables and chairs lend
an island flair to the main room. The lounge area, with
plantation-style sea grass couches and chairs and teak furnishings,
has proved popular for relaxed gatherings, Beemer noted. The large
lawn fronting Makana provides another option for groups.
Hanalei Colony Resort is converting a three-bedroom cottage into
a day spa and expects to open it to guests and visitors early next
year.
In addition to Makana, the pool area at Hanalei Colony Resort is
a popular site for informal private dinners, receptions, barbecues
and luaus for resort guests, said Beemer.
Hanalei Colony Resort is composed of 48 two-bedroom condominiums
with fully equipped kitchens. “With no phones or televisions in the
rooms, there’s nothing to distract guests from a wonderful group
experience,” Beemer said. “This is a place to retreat and explore
your inner self, or discover new ideas for your business.”
Through 2003, nightly rack rates at Hanalei Colony Resort range
from $180-$335 for as many as four people per unit, with the
seventh night free. Car-and-condo packages start at $208.50.
800-628-3004; www.hcr. com.