Join us on SATURDAY, May 11, 2024 for a special Mother’s Day Brunch and Show! Treat Mom and the entire ohana to a delicious brunch buffet followed by a performance by Grammy nominee and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Josh Tatofi! With special guest Manalani English-Souza (Miss Aloha Hula 2013).
Dozens of staff at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global, created and deployed hundreds of Genki Balls into the Ala Wai Canal to assist with Ala Wai ecosystem restoration in celebration of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, 2023.
The Center’s staff created 548 Genki Balls and deployed another 500 into the Ala Wai in collaboration with the nonprofit Genki Ala Wai Project, under the Hawaii Exemplary State Foundation. Through bioremediation, or the use of living organisms to remove pollutants from soil and water, the nonprofit organization is working to make the Ala Wai Canal fishable and swimmable within 7 years. The tennis ball-sized Genki mud balls contain a mixture of clay soil, rice bran, molasses, water and Effective Microorganisms (EM)-1 solution, which helps digest the canal’s polluted sludge.
“The Ala Wai Canal is part of what makes the Hawai‘i Convention Center so special, and we are proud to be responsible stewards of this iconic waterway,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
This effort is part of the Center’s Hoʻomaluō (to conserve or manage wisely) conservation program. Hoʻomaluō guides the Center’s leadership in environmental best practices, including energy consumption, water use and waste diversion. November 15 also marked the start of the Global Month of Giving, an initiative spearheaded by ASM Global to help support and give back to local communities.
America Recycles Day is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to celebrate the recycling and waste reduction efforts of communities and businesses throughout the U.S.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global, is pleased to announce that it has recently been recognized with state and national meetings honors:
EXHIBITOR magazine named the Center among its Centers of Excellence winners, featured in its October/November issue. The award honors North America’s top convention centers for trade shows and events based on a variety of criteria within select categories, including Facility & Functionality, Location & Accommodations, Service & Execution, Upgrades & Expansions, and Awards & Industry Participation. A panel of corporate exhibit managers also surveys past clients and reviews selling points, event spaces, and innovations.
The Center was among 18 venues in the U.S. and Canada to be named “Best Convention Center” by Smart Meetings magazine in its 2023 Smart Stars awards. Smart Meetings is a leading meetings industry publisher. The awards, now in their 11th year, recognize meeting planners’ preferences for hotels, resorts, properties, cruise lines, and conference and convention centers across 31 categories. Winners reflect the highest standards of excellence in service, amenities, and customer satisfaction.
Facilities & Destinations magazine recognized the Center as one of its 2023 Prime Site Award of Excellence winners. The Center is one of 42 ASM Global venues to be honored this year, as selected by Facilities & Destinations readers. For more than 30 years, Facilities Media Group has served as a leading news source and marketing partner for professional planners of conventions, tradeshows, meetings, entertainment, and special events, and for the cities and venues in which they take place.
The Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) recognized the Center on June 29, 2023, for its energy efficiency and sustainable business practices. Thirty-seven awardees representing five islands were honored. The program is a partnership between Hawai‘i’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Health; Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i; and the Board of Water Supply.
“As the Hawai‘i Convention Center celebrates its 25th year offering world-class meetings and events, we are honored to be named among the best meetings venues in the world,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center. “These awards speak to the continued efforts and hard work of our dedicated staff to share the Aloha Spirit with all of our guests across local and citywide gatherings.”
Two new ground-floor e-bars feature artwork by JT Ojerio of Aloha de Mele and Lloyd Boards of Kaua‘i
The Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global, has transformed its ground-floor Kahakai Lobby and escalator area with the installation of two new e-bars and a permanent artwork collection featuring the work of artists from O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.
The e-bars feature seating with individual power and USB ports and counterspace for mobile devices. The Center worked with artists JT Ojerio of Aloha De Mele and Lloyd Boards to select artwork that would enhance the look and feel of the spaces. There are three stand-alone custom installations by Ojerio, including two lei renderings above one e-bar.
A hand-shaped koa surfboard by Lloyd Boards hangs above the second e-bar. Artwork by Ojerio – a painting of loulu palms – is featured as a backdrop for the board, providing continuity to the installations. Across from this e-bar is a 6-foot by 20-foot wall mural featuring Native Hawaiian model Penina Vaimaona wearing a lei po‘o by Cheka Diaz of Kahihae Floral.
“This artwork showcases the talents of our local artists to guests from around the world, while brightening these new workspaces with a fresh and modern feel. The Center strives to promote Hawai‘i’s culture to our guests through our wide selection of artwork,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center. “The e-bars are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance shared spaces in the Center, providing easy access to value-added amenities for our guests.”
“I hope that guests at the Center find these pieces beautiful and welcoming and also reflective of what Hawai‘i is,” Ojerio said. “My artwork is often described as simplistic and bold, with just one subject – to me, that is Hawai‘i, simple and beautiful, but also bold and strong with its people and its culture.”
“We work with all local materials to make our boards, and we are grateful that the Hawai‘i Convention Center is taking the lead in showcasing products that are 100% made in Hawai‘i and supporting our local artists,” said Jeremy Lloyd, owner of Lloyd Boards. “It’s so important, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is home to a permanent art collection in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its Art in Public Places program. It also hosts rotating collections in displays throughout the building. Learn more here.
Earlier this year the Center completed the installation of two new Hawaiian cultural exhibits on its third floor – the Pūali‘ahu Feather Cape Exhibit available to the public for two years, and a new permanent display exploring The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu.
Effective Sunday, August 13, the Assistance Center at the Hawai‘i Convention Center has been relocated to the Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial at 2685 N. Nimitz Highway in Honolulu.
The American Red Cross will continue to offer these same services to Maui evacuees at Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial. Shuttles offering free transportation from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial will be running throughout the day and can be found outside of baggage claim 9 and baggage claim 20 at the airport.
For updates on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island Wildfire, click HERE
For assistance in locating loved ones in Maui, please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Select Option 4 and follow the voice prompts for “Hawaii Wildfires”
The public displays explore featherwork pieces by Rick San Nicolas and The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu
Honolulu, Feb. 16, 2023 – The Hawai‘i Convention Center unveiled two new Hawaiian cultural exhibits on its third floor today – an extensive Hawaiian featherwork installation available to the public for two years, and a new permanent display exploring The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu. Today’s event included a special blessing and luncheon.
The Pūali‘ahu Feather Cape Exhibit features several feather capes, a feathered helmet, and lei pāpale. All featherwork is handmade by master featherworker Rick San Nicolas using traditional Hawaiian techniques he has practiced over nearly 25 years. This includes a cape designed by Rick San Nicolas for Princess Ka’iulani made of peacock feathers, a replica of a feather cape worn by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, and a replica of a cloak worn by Pi’ilani, an ancient high chief of the Kingdom of Maui. In addition, the display showcases ‘ahu kaua, or battle cloaks (worn over one shoulder and under the other), which are rarely seen in exhibit. All feathers used in the pieces were ethically sourced.
Case 2
“The exhibit was carefully designed by Rick San Nicolas and Kauila Kawelu Barber to share the history and stories of our Native Hawaiian ancestors, as well as the craft of featherwork,” San Nicolas said. “Viewers will follow the stories of our past through today and learn about how the pieces were used to adorn Hawai‘i’s ali‘i (chief or chiefess).”
The exhibit is located on the mauka side of the Center’s third floor between Rooms 302 and 306. Learn more about San Nicolas at HawaiianFeathers.com. Since 2016 the Center has served as the permanent home of featherwork cloak and helmet replicas depicted to be worn by Hawai‘i high chief Kekūhaupi‘o. Made by San Nicolas, this display is located on the Center’s third floor in support of its One Million Trees initiative to reforest native and endemic trees in Hawai‘i in partnership with the nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI).
The Center is also displaying replicas of The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu outside Theater 320, following a recent installation at the Bishop Museum. The original stones, which are a public monument located on Kalakaua Avenue near the Duke Kahanamoku statue, honor four legendary māhū – individuals who embody both male and female spirit – who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii many centuries ago. After requesting the stones be moved from Kaimuki to Waikiki as a permanent reminder of the services they provided to the people, the healers imbued their powers into them and disappeared. The display is accompanied by historic photographs, large artistic painted representations of the healers, and an 8-minute, Academy Award-shortlisted animated film that tells their story through the eyes of a curious child. A map is available so guests can easily locate and visit the original stones in Waikiki.
“This exhibit shines a light on the deep history of these stones and furthers the Center’s sense of place by showcasing this important Waikiki landmark, which is just minutes away,” said Dean Hamer, a film director and curator of The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu exhibit.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is home to a permanent art collection in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its Art in Public Places program. It also hosts rotating collections in displays throughout the building.
“For nearly 25 years the Center has served our communities and visitors not only as a world-class meetings destination, but also as a place to learn about Hawai‘i’s rich culture and history through permanent and rotating art installations,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center. “We are delighted to work with renowned artist Rick San Nicolas on one of the largest public displays of his featherwork, and to become the permanent home of the Healer Stones of Kapaemahu exhibit.”
Visuals of today’s blessing are available here and visuals of the installations are available here, courtesy Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Na Leo Pilimehana has found a new home for the holidays at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center! Join us for a special holiday dinner concert at our 4th floor Kalākaua Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.
Celebrate the holidays with loved ones and friends while enjoying a special buffet dinner and live performance by the best-selling Hawaiian female group in the world. Na Leo Pilimehana, which in Hawaiian means “voices blending together in warmth,” captures the group’s style of soothing, melodic voices. With 23 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Na Leo, consisting of three childhood friends – Nalani Jenkins, Lehua Kalima and Angela Morales-Escontria, has written, recorded and performed more than 20 No. 1 hits.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a special guest performer Maunalua, a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning Hawaiian music trio. A buffet dinner from the Center’s Executive Chef Hector Morales starts at 5:30 p.m. Signature cocktails and light refreshments will also be available for purchase at the bar. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m.
Free entry for children 0-2 years. Strollers are allowed but anyone occupying a seat must purchase a ticket.
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 17, 2022 5:00 p.m.: Doors and bar open 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.: Buffet dinner 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Concert
Location: 4th Floor, Kalākaua Ballroom Hawaiʻi Convention Center 1801 Kalākaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815
For more information, please contact info@hccasm.com or call 808-943-3500.
Meeting planners can offset the environmental impact of their events by reforesting native trees in Hawai‘i
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is launching a first-of-its-kind program that provides carbon offset opportunities for all meetings and events.
The program provides meeting organizers with the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their meeting, as well as offer individual attendees the ability to select and plant endemic and native trees virtually or in-person. These efforts are part of the Center’s Hoʻomaluō (to conserve or manage wisely) conservation program. Hoʻomaluō guides the Center’s leadership in environmental best practices, including energy consumption, water use and waste diversion.
The Center’s carbon offset program is also in alignment with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) vision of Mālama Kuʻu Home (Caring for My Beloved Home). HTA’s objective is to help empower the community to have a greater voice in tourism’s future, with a focus on regenerating the environment, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, recognizing Hawai‘i’s multiethnic cultures and supporting responsible economic outcomes.
“The Hawai‘i Convention Center’s industry-leading environmental practices help reduce the impact of our meetings and events, and provide organizers and attendees with customized, turnkey options to protect our natural resources right here in Hawai‘i,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global.
In 2018 the Center achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v.4 O+M Gold certification, which was recertified in 2021. In January the Center was recognized among 14 venues and events with the 2021 Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) Award by the State of Hawai‘i for its energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.
The Center has offered its One Million Trees initiative since 2016, partnering with the statewide nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) to reforest native and endemic trees in Hawai‘i. The Center’s new carbon offset program is offered through Hawai‘i-based Legacy Carbon, which is dedicated to providing the highest-quality, cost-effective certified carbon offsets in the world. The program has been certified by the prestigious Switzerland-based Gold Standard Foundation and is the first forestry project in North America to issue Gold Standard credits.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center’s carbon footprint was calculated by Greenview in partnership with Legacy Carbon. Greenview is a sustainability firm that provides hospitality organizations with research, consulting and advisory services, as well as the leading online sustainability data platform.
To learn more about the carbon offset program, visit the Center’s website or e-mail info@hccasm.com.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center will fully reopen its Exhibit Halls for meetings and events in January 2022 after hosting multiple public sector agencies and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, the Center worked with state agencies to quickly provide temporary space that allowed for additional staffing and social distancing, while delivering important public services such as unemployment claims processing for the Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), COVID-19 contact tracing for the Hawai‘i Department of Health, vote counting for Hawai‘i’s Office of Elections, and Hawai‘i Bar Exams for the Hawai‘i State Judiciary. Most recently, the Center’s Exhibit Hall 1 served as a location for DLIR, DOH, and the Hawai‘i Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC)/Catholic Charities operation providing rental and housing assistance to local families. The DOH will move to a smaller space at the Center through spring 2022, while all other agencies will be returning to their original offices.
“The Hawai‘i Convention Center was pleased to serve our community by offering space so these agencies could provide important services in a safe and socially distanced manner,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, the needs for these spaces have changed, and we will be welcoming meetings and events back to our Exhibit Halls.”
The health and safety of guests and employees is the Center’s top priority, and it continues to follow guidelines set by the State of Hawai‘i and the City & County of Honolulu. The Center has developed and implemented health and safety measures led by ASM Global’s comprehensive VenueShield program.
The Center has also developed new virtual meetings packages to offer guests the convenience of attending meetings remotely. This full array of turnkey video-production services includes professionally coordinated pre-recording management, webinar and live-stream production, and hybrid meeting design and execution across a variety of popular virtual platforms.
Visit HawaiiConvention.com for updates and additional information about booking a meeting or event. The Center’s interactive virtual map offers a complete 3D tour of rooms and facilities.
About the Hawai‘i Convention Center
“Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu – all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more, visit www.asmglobal.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT Teddi Anderson President, TLC PR (808) 535-9099 teddi@tlcpr.com
