Image courtesy of Mauna Lani
With its standout hotels and epic natural wonders (volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches – the works), Hawai'i is one of our all-time favorite destinations. Which is why we were thrilled to travel to two islands in this majestic archipelago for our latest Fora FAM trip: the Island of Hawai'i (also known as the Big Island) and Oahu.
Our Fora FAMs are trips that offer Fora Advisors a chance to learn the ins and outs of a destination so they can plan the very best trips for their clients – and in this case, our advisors got a crash-course on all things Hawai'i & Oahu. They explored stunning landscapes & historic sites, sampled the very best food, activities & adventures and gained an intimate understanding of two Fora Reserve hotels on the two different islands. The result: advisors flew home with the knowledge to plan, book and curate epic trips to the Island of Hawai'i and Oahu. Read on to learn more about the trip, including details on hotels galore.
Or, if you’re ready to experience Hawai'i for yourself – complete with recent intel from this FAM and A+ hotel perks – reach out to Fora to start planning your dream trip today.
The Island of Hawai'i: Mauna Lani, e-biking & mai tai mixology
Image courtesy of Mauna Lani
The group’s first stop on the FAM trip was the Island of Hawai'i – specifically, the stunning Kohala Coast, where one of our favorite beach properties served as home-base for several days. This resort is Mauna Lani, a luxurious (yet ultra serene & laid-back) Auberge hotel. (See our favorite Auberge hotels.)
Renowned for its stunning setting and world-class amenities, this Fora Reserve resort is set amidst lush tropical gardens, pristine beaches and ancient fishponds. (It’s no surprise that Mauna Lani means “heavenly mountain” in the Native Hawaiian language.)
In the words of Fora Advisor and trip participant Jill Hirsberg, "Mauna Lani is so beautiful, and the vibe is just right.”
Image courtesy of Mauna Lani
The resort reopened as an Auberge following a renovation in 2019, adding an open-air lobby and soaring atrium. During the FAM, advisors toured the hotel’s myriad accommodations, ranging from spacious guest rooms to private villas, all elegantly appointed with modern amenities and traditional Hawaiian touches. Plus, the FAM group was able to meet & network with the resort’s (fantastic) on-the-ground team, ensuring they can deliver 10/10 recommendations and experiences for their clients.
"The sales teams [at both hotels] were so kind and welcoming and had everything planned perfectly. I feel I have a good grasp of how to sell these resorts to the right clients,” said Fora Advisor and trip participant Cindy Rhee.
In addition to experiencing Mauna Lani, the group took a boat trip to explore the coast. And this wasn’t just any boat, but the resort’s 42-foot Yellowfin sporting yacht, which escorted advisors to epic black-sand beaches and snorkeling spots along a nearby reef. Advisors lost count of how many humpback whales they spotted – February is prime time for the whale sightings – and even heard them singing underwater. Mauna Lani offers numerous snorkeling and boat experiences, and advisors learned the intricacies of each, allowing them to match-make excursions based on travelers’ preferences.
The FAM group at Mauna Lani
Another highlight of the trip was an e-bike experience through the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, one of Hawai'i Island’s must-dos. Advisors were guided through the 223-acre preserve with geological remnants of centuries-old volcano eruptions. They also toured the petroglyphs (or ancient carvings made from lava rocks), showcasing illustrations & symbols dating back to 1200 AD. And at sunrise, advisors were treated to a canoe experience, where they paddled as a team aboard outrigger canoes, witnessed a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and enjoyed the sunrise in silence – except for the occasional breaching whale.
Fora Perks at Mauna Lani: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Oahu: Turtle Bay, kayaking, surfing & spa treatments
Image courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort
Next, the group was off to Oahu. Affectionately named “the Gathering Place” the island is beloved for its serene landscapes and surf-ready beaches. The group stayed at Turtle Bay Resort, the only luxury resort on the island’s North Shore and a member of Fora Reserve.
Turtle Bay’s coveted location – 1,300 secluded acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, half of which are permanently reserved for conservation – is its first selling point. (In fact, all the hotels of Waikiki could fit in Turtle Bay's acreage footprint). The resort is gloriously removed from Oahu’s more crowded areas, giving the hotel a true ‘get-away-from-it-all’ vibe. While visiting, Fora Advisors got a full understanding of the resort’s accommodations (from its oceanfront bungalows to its sleek suites with sweeping ocean views), allowing them to match their clients with the very best rooms according to their travel vibe.
Image courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort
At Turtle Bay, in addition to plenty of networking with the hotel’s team, advisors sampled spa treatments at the Nalu Spa. Here, every therapy is rooted in Aloha 'Aina – a love & nurturing of the local land. The group also experienced a special Paniolo Lu'au dinner, complete with music, hula dancing and a mesmerizing fire knife show.
As Fora Advisor and trip participant Anna Ingoglia said: "From our warm welcome to our paniolo luau farewell dinner, I felt at home at Turtle Bay.”
Off property, Fora Advisors explored the nearby Kawela Bay via a kayak tour, where advisors got close – but not too close – to the Bay's most famous residents, the honu (sea turtles) who enjoy the protection from larger predators provided by the reef. The kayak tour culminated in a beach picnic at the filming location of several blockbusters (including Hunger Games and Pirates of the Caribbean). The FAM group also enjoyed a horseback riding experience and guided surfing lessons; the North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the most legendary waves in the world. Beyond the aforementioned, Turtle Bay (and Oahu in general) offers tons of local experiences (such as a ukulele lesson), and advisors left well-versed in how to recommend the best options for each traveler style.
Fora Perks at Turtle Bay: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ready to experience Hawai'i for yourself? Reach out to Fora to start planning your dream trip today, complete with all the recommendations & intel from this latest FAM.
