Hawaii Convention Center

venues

MAIN PHOTO: HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / DANA EDMUNDS

Conventional Wisdom

Waterfalls and fishponds commingle with cutting-edge tech to form the Hawaii Convention Center, a venue with 1.1 million square feet of event and exhibition space. More than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space is complemented by a 35,000-square-foot ballroom, glass-encased meeting rooms, a theater, vast open-air terraces, and a rooftop patio with breathtaking views of the city. The HCC's Hawaiian art collection, tropical landscaping, and proximity to the legendary Waikiki Beach are the finishing touches for a venue that has been dubbed one of the most beautiful convention centers in the world.

WHERE TO SLEEP
Choose the Modern Honolulu for upscale digs, a signature restaurant, and ocean views, or opt for the popular and budget-friendly Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites. Both hotels are within walking distance of the Hawaii Convention Center. Additional nearby properties offer more than 6,000 rooms in all price ranges, including a cluster of hotels and resorts on Waikiki Beach.

WHAT TO EAT
The facility is rimmed with restaurants of every kind, from a Japanese food court to pizzerias. Grab lunch with the locals at Home Bar & Grill, where tator-tot nachos are a crowd favorite, or dazzle clients with elegant Hawaiian and Asian Fusion cuisine at Roy's Waikiki. The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood has distinctive private spaces for gatherings of eight to 40 people.

HOW TO GET THERE
Honolulu International Airport is 8 miles from the convention center, and taxis are available for a fare of approximately $40 each way in light traffic. That figure could double in very heavy traffic, however, so fixed-fare rides, available from a handful of taxi companies, are recommended. Round trip shuttles cost $30 per person (www.hawaii.gov). The central location of the HCC makes rental cars unnecessary.

The HCC has exclusive providers for catering, fire watch, Internet, rigging, telecommunications, and trash removal inside the venue.

Depending on the show, exhibitors may be allowed to set up a display if it can be completed by one person in 30 minutes or less without tools.

Reliable Wi-Fi service is available throughout the convention center for a fee.

There are no unions in-house at the HCC, though event organizers can opt to use exclusive providers for things such as installation and dismantle, material handling, booth decorating, and electrical services.

For an unforgettable event, charter a pirate ship for up to 48 guests (www.hawaiipirateship.com), or plan a Hawaiian luau for hundreds at Paradise Cove (www.paradisecoveevents.com).

The business center at the HCC offers banner and sign printing, equipment rentals, copies, and shipping and receiving services.

Movement of materials by exhibitors is limited to hand-carried items.

Exhibitors are not allowed to put any tape on the venue's carpets when setting up displays in ballrooms or other carpeted areas inside the HCC.