Fora Goes to Paradise: A Recap of My Recent FAM to the Island of Hawai'i and Oahu

Image courtesy of Mauna Lani

With its standout hotels and epic natural wonders (volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches – the works), Hawai'i is one of my all-time favorite destinations. Which is why I was 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.

On this Fora FAM trip, I was able to learn the ins and outs of the destination so I can plan the very best trips for my clients. We 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: I 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 me to start planning your dream trip today.

The Island of Hawai'i: Mauna Lani, e-biking & mai tai mixology

Image courtesy of Mauna Lani

Our first stop on the FAM trip was the Island of Hawai'i – specifically, the stunning Kohala Coast, where one of my 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.)

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, we 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, we were able to meet & network with the resort’s (fantastic) on-the-ground team, ensuring they can deliver 10/10 recommendations and experiences for our clients.

In addition to experiencing Mauna Lani, we 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 us to epic black-sand beaches and snorkeling spots along a nearby reef. We 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 we learned the intricacies of each, allowing us to expertly 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. We were guided through the 223-acre preserve with geological remnants of centuries-old volcano eruptions. We also toured the petroglyphs (or ancient carvings made from lava rocks), showcasing illustrations & symbols dating back to 1200 AD. And at sunrise, we were treated to a canoe experience, where we 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. We 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, we got a full understanding of the resort’s accommodations (from its oceanfront bungalows to its sleek suites with sweeping ocean views), allowing us to match our 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, we sampled spa treatments at the Nalu Spa. Here, every therapy is rooted in Aloha 'Aina – a love & nurturing of the local land. We also experienced a special Paniolo Lu'au dinner, complete with music, hula dancing and a mesmerizing fire knife show.

Off property, we explored the nearby Kawela Bay via a kayak tour, where we 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). We 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 we 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 me to start planning your dream trip today, complete with all the recommendations & intel from this latest FAM.