Why Maui?
Michael W. Smith has been leading friends on inspirational worship and fellowship events and activities all over the world for the last twelve years. After multiple cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada and New England—as well as weekend retreats and a tour of Israel—Michael and his team wanted to do something “different.” So join us for a brand-new experience as we rest and enjoy God’s creation in Maui, Hawaii.

Why not a cruise?
As we evaluated this event, we heard from many of you that we should consider Hawaii. We decided on a resort-based event to allow our guests a more immersive environment. Rather than just a day or a few hours on the island, you’ll have several days to explore it. We’ve built plenty of space in our itinerary to facilitate relaxation or your own exploration, allowing you to “design” your own experience in Maui.

We’ll be hosted by The Grand Wailea: A Waldorf Astoria Resort. It offers spacious rooms and top-tier service from a centralized location on the island, serving as a perfect homebase for our devotions, concerts and fellowship.

What airport should we fly into?
When flying into Maui, book flights into Kahului Airport (OGG). Direct flights from the mainland are available from most major markets. We recommend booking flights eight to ten months before the trip.

When should we plan to arrive and depart?
Plan to arrive on September 19th, 2021*, between 6:00 AM(HST) and 5:00 PM(HST). Upon arrival, check your bags with a bellman and enjoy the resort’s amenities until check-in or the event starts. Our team will staff a registration desk that afternoon for you to pick up conference registration materials. You can stay at the Grand Wailea until 7:00 PM(HST) on September 24th, 2021.**

• *If you choose to arrive early or stay an additional night, you may do so for $499 per night before tax. This rate will be available for up to three nights before and/or after the event (maximum of 4 guests per room).
• **For departing guests who have checked out of the hotel and want to spend their last few hours enjoying the island, The Grand Wailea provides complimentary showers and changing rooms to use at your leisure.

Where is the Grand Wailea? How do we get there?
The Grand Wailea is located on Maui at 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, in the town of Wailea. The Grand Wailea does not provide shuttle service to/from Kahului Airport, so guests are responsible for their own transport to the resort. While taxi services are plentiful, we recommend that guests rent their own cars during the week. This allows you to explore the island during your free time.

Will there be group touring?
While the event doesn’t include a guided tour, we are providing a forum for those who want to spend time venturing out on the island together. If you choose not to rent a car, we’ll be coordinating group rideshare programs so guests can enjoy each other’s company while exploring. See FAQ about “Group Excursions.”

What is included in the Michael W. Smith & Friends: Hawaii 2021 Week?

• 6 Days and 5 Nights at The Grand Wailea: A Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui
• Full access to all conference-exclusive events:
• Nightly concerts with Michael W. Smith & Friends
• Daily devotions and teaching sessions
• Access to group excursions and activities during afternoon free time with MWS & Friends
• Welcome reception on Sunday, September 19th, followed by a special concert in the Haleakala Ballroom
• Aloha Dinner and entertainment on Thursday, September 23rd, followed by an exclusive concert with Michael W. Smith in the Molokini Garden
• Professional photographer capturing entire event, including photos with friends, family, and Michael W. Smith on the beach
• *ALL photos will be 100% free to all booked guests
• Coffee and juice at all morning devotion sessions
• Full access to all resort amenities:
• 9 Pools and over 40 acres of activities, including numerous slides
• Adults-only pools and spas for guests who prefer a quieter environment to rest and reflect
• Beach access, private umbrellas and chairs upon request
• Novice scuba lessons
• Nightly torch lighting ceremonies around the entire resort
• Sunrise beach yoga classes
• Guided Botanical Garden tours
• Guided cultural and art tour
• Swim-out access to Turtle Town (a world-famous snorkeling spot filled with sea turtles, only 100 yards offshore)
• Preferred tee times and resort discounts at the five Wailea Golf Club courses
• Personal concierge services for all guests to book excursions through the hotel
• 24-hour access to state-of-the-art fitness center
• Preferred reservation times and services to the award-winning Spa Grande
• *Daily Resort fee included ($30)
• Five-star accommodations:
• Private balcony
• Luxury bathroom with separate bathtub and shower
• Coffeemaker
• In-room refrigerator
• 55-inch flat screen entertainment center
• High-speed internet access (both wired and wi-fi).
• Porterage fees (baggage handling) for all guests
• MWS Team access on-location at all times

Are any meals included?
Yes! You can enjoy a pre-concert welcome reception with light appetizers on Sunday, September 19th, plus a full aloha dinner in the Molokini Garden on Thursday, September 23rd. Coffee, tea, and fruit will be available at all morning devotion sessions.

What dinner and food options are available at the Grand Wailea?
See below for our extensive food and restaurant options, including top dining suggestions elsewhere on the island.

Why are there differences in the room prices?
The rooms differ based on several factors, including balcony view and proximity to features like the pools, beaches, and other resort amenities. For example: Deluxe Ocean View rooms offer unimpeded views of the western sky for sunsets.

I have accessibility concerns. Can the resort accommodate guests who need wheelchair assistance?
Yes! The Grand Wailea is extremely accommodating to guests requiring mobility assistance and offers rooms to match almost every need.

Why isn’t there a luau on the schedule? Everybody loves a good luau!
You’re right, of course. We decided that, instead of hosting our own luau, we would conclude our week with the option of experiencing the BEST luau on the island! Guests can choose to join us on Friday, September 24th, as we attend The Old Lahaina Luau. Consistently voted Best Luau in Hawaii, the Old Lahaina has been playing to sold-out crowds for 20 years. If you’re interested in attending the cultural experience of a lifetime, email derek@themwsgroup.com and be on the lookout for more information to come!

• Learn more about The Old Lahaina Luau: https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/
• View The Old Lahaina Luau experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNU31S-1zak

What Maui excursions or experiences do you recommend?
Most of the BEST things to do on the island are FREE. The only cost is getting to them, which is why we recommend renting a car! In most cases, taking the scenic route to these destinations is as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.

• Favorite Free Excursion Options:
• The Road To Hana (Be on the lookout for a rideshare program and make this journey with your MWS event friends!)
• Iao Valley
• Haleakala Crater (U.S. National Park entrance: $20/car)
• Downtown Lahaina
• Snorkeling reefs (Rent snorkeling gear and drive to one of the many reefs around the island for spectacular underwater views)
• Beaches (ALL beaches on Maui have public access areas)
• Grand Wailea Botanical Garden and cultural tours
• Nightly sunsets (Some of the best on the planet)
• Whale watching from the beaches (These beautiful giants will begin arriving from the Northern Pacific while we’re there, so keep an eye out!)

How do group excursions work?
Fellowship with other believers will be one of the most memorable aspects of your time in Maui. We want you to explore the island with new friends. That’s why we are working to secure a list of recommended events and excursions for our guests! These will take place during planned free time so you don’t miss any of our MWS events. Check back soon for more details!

What timezone is Hawaii in and how does it correspond to different time zones on the mainland?*

• Hawaii doesn’t recognize Daylight Savings Time
• Hawaii Standard Time(HST) is 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time(EST)
  If it’s 12:00 PM(EST), it’s 6:00 AM(HST)
• Hawaii Standard Time(HST) is 5 hours behind Central Standard Time(CST)
  If it’s 12:00 PM(CST), it’s 7:00 AM(HST)
• Hawaii Standard Time(HST) is 4 hours behind Mountain Standard Time(MST)
  If it’s 12:00 PM(MST), it’s 8:00 AM(HST)
• Hawaii Standard Time(HST) is 3 hours behind Pacific Standard Time(PST)
  If it’s noon est, it’s 9:00 AM(HST)
• *To adjust to the time difference, we recommend staying up as late as possible on your first night in the islands. Then, plan to go to bed by 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM nightly. You’ll adjust quickly!

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THAT THIS FAQ DOES NOT ANSWER PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL derek@themwsgroup.com and he will be happy to assist you.

IF YOU HAVE ANY BOOKING QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR RESERVATION OR HOTEL NEEDS: Please call Inspiration Cruises & Tours at 855 476 4889.