Originally Posted by
travelinmanS
It might be the SAP event that alternates between the big island's Kohala coast and Maui every other year. I've been unfortunate to get caught up in this thing twice. They basically commandeer all the hotels in the area for 5 nights to treat their global high performers to an all expense paid trip. I was at the Mauna Kea last Feb and had to shorten my stay by 2 days due to this event, they booked the entire hotel as well as the Hapuna, the Hilton, the Mauna Lani, the Fairmont and parts of the Marriott. I'm sure it's the same deal in Wailea when they run the event in Maui. I'd advise going to another part of Maui or another island unless you want to feel like an outsider at a corporate retreat.
You begin to wonder what SAP's profit is when they can book every high priced resort AND fly in either Billy Joel or Elton John for a private concert.
This is in direct opposition to the Ironman race that fills up cheaper rooms first and takes all rental cars. The public is encouraged to come watch that event.
"The concert was in closing to a 5 day appreciation event sponsored by SAP (technology software co.) for its employees/affiliates and their families which completely bought out five hotels; Hilton at Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid, Hapuna, and Mauna Kea. Owners and residents were politely asked not to come onto the hotel grounds during the five days of their stay."
That is in direct opposition to the Ironman race in October that takes cheaper rooms first aand encourages everyone to come watch.