This is our very last Aloha Friday wrap of the year! From rodeos to resort openings to making poke, find all your Hawaii news right here.

Why Hawaii is the perfect destination for conferences and incentive groups

From lei greetings and a backdrop of palm trees, to white sand beaches and championship golf courses, the Hawaiian Islands are the ideal destination for memorable meetings, conventions and incentive programs.

Having hosted a number of major global events, including the World Conservation Congress in 2016 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2011, the Aloha State knows what they’re doing when it comes to MICE.

The experts at Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania can help you showcase the full potential of this extraordinary destination with their friendly, personalised service. Resident expert on meetings, conferences, events and incentives in Hawai‘i, Kritsada Phadungkiatipong (Kris, for short) is Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania’s MICE & Trade Relationships Manager based in Sydney.

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Let’s make Poke! Hawaiian Airlines’ industry guests join Chef Lee Anne Wong in Sydney

Hawaiian Airlines hosted a fun promotion at the Sydney Cooking School recently inviting guests including key travel industry partners to meet Hawaiian Airlines Executive Chef Lee Anne Wong and spend a little time with Chef and the HA Australian Sales and Marketing team as they learned to make Poke.

The purpose of the event was to take the opportunity whilst Chef Wong was in Sydney for menu presentations, to highlight Hawaiian Airlines’ food and wine focus and the fact that new menus are coming soon (first quarter 2019) to Economy and Business Class on the airline’s Sydney-Honolulu, Brisbane-Honolulu and Auckland-Honolulu services.

HA’s Sydney travel partners became kitchen hands for the morning, learning a little more about Hawaiian Airlines, as well as tips from Chef Wong and in a hands-on cooking class learning how to make three different styles of poke… which they then sat down and enjoyed for lunch! A classic Hawaiian Shoyu Ahi Poke, a New Zealand Trout Furikake Poke, and a Ginger Poke.

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What’s new in Kauai?

Check this list to see what’s happening in Kauai, Hawaii.

North Shore Update: Access beyond the five-mile marker past Hanalei Town to the end of the road (which includes the areas of Wainiha and Hā‘ena) is currently closed to visitors. Updates continue to be posted at gohawaii.com/Kauai.

Hanalei Town is still open for business! Visit www.HanaleiTown.com to see a list of quaint shops and the variety of restaurants. The new website will soon feature Special Events happening in Hanalei town.

Avalon Gastropub opens on Kaua‘i. Located in Wailua, this restaurant is Kaua‘i’s first and only gastropub, offering elevated food, a great selection of craft beers and craft cocktails. Their mission is to be a welcoming place for the community and visitors alike to enjoy classics presented with a twist. All their food offerings are made in-house (except for their buns, which are sourced by a local bakery).

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Sizzlin’ December news from the Island of Hawaii

As winter weather arrives on the continental United States, the island of Hawaii’s golden beaches, tropical weather, fresh cuisine and bounty of activities beckon visitors to experience it all. Right on time for the holiday travel season, learn about the island of Hawaii’s exhilarating new adventure tours, a new restaurant and coffee varietal, luxe helicopter experiences, and inspirations for Valentine’s Day below.

EVENTS: The 27^th annual Panaewa Stampede Rodeo, happening February 16-18 at the Panaewa Equestrian Center just outside of Hilo, welcomes paniolo (cowboys) and spectators to experience competitive rodeo skills born of the island’s deep ranching history still practised today. Skilled rodeo event participants will showcase their talents in roping cattle, barrel racing on horseback and bull riding as the crowd cheers them on.

ACCOMMODATION: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a special $25,000 package for two.

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