FAQ
Q. If I am unable or choose not to take the trip, will there be any kind of alternate compensation?
A. No
​
Q. What should I do if I want to extend my stay at Mauna Lani?
A. Mauna Lani is a very popular top-rated resort, and at present they are currently at over 90% capacity for May 2025, so unfortunately may not have the space or group rates available for pre-and post-event dates. If you would like to see about extending your dates, please indicate your extension request when registering, and/or email events@tungstenautomation.com with your request. We will contact Mauna Lani on your behalf and get back to you regarding their current availability and rates.
Please be sure you have confirmed hotel reservations for any extended dates prior to confirming your flight booking. Once the itinerary has been approved, you will be responsible for any change fees or differences in airfare.
​
Q. What should I do if I want to extend my travel dates to include other locations?
If you wish to extend your travel dates to include additional stops or stays, please let WTS know this when you book your air travel. If your chosen dates or routes incur a cost greater than that of flights to and from Hawaii on the Winners Circle program dates, you will need to pay for any differences in cost. You will be responsible for booking any needed hotel dates outside of your stay at Mauna Lani, and for any associated hotel costs for your additional dates (outside of a transit hotel stop en route, if necessary.)
Q. What meals are provided during Winners Circle?
A. Group meals provided during Winners Circle include the Welcome Dinner on Thursday evening, the Friday morning employee breakfast, and the Awards Dinner on Sunday evening. Some of the hosted activities on Saturday or Sunday may provide lunch or snacks. Light refreshments will be served mid-afternoon in the Hospitality Suite. Your travel funds are intended to cover all other meals and incidental expenses at Winner Circle.
Q. Are baggage fees covered by Tungsten?
A. Most long-haul flights will include at least one free checked bag per person. If a free checked bag is not provided with your flight, WTS has been approved to add this to your flight during booking if possible. Please note that not every airline will allow third-party payments for baggage fees. IF you are not able to get a free bag with your flight OR have WTS add it to your flight at time of booking, you may purchase and expense one checked bag per person, per flight leg.
Q. When will we receive our supplementary travel funds?
A. Your supplementary travel funds will be provided in cash/US Dollars and picked up on-site at Mauna Lani in the Hospitality Suite.
Q. Where is the Hospitality Suite located?
A. The Hospitality Suite is located in the Ho'okipa Room and will be open Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 4 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The DMC will have a desk in the suite to assist with activities and return transportation. Beverages and a light snack will be served mid-afternoons. The Hospitality Suite is unfortunately not available on departure day, Monday, May 5th, so please be sure to confirm any return transportation changes prior to Monday. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your event hosts by text or email.
Q. What is the Dress Code for Winners Circle?
A. The dress code for the Welcome Reception on Thursday night is Resort Casual. The dress code for the Awards Cocktail Reception and Banquet on Sunday inght is Resort Cocktail Attire.
Q. What is the weather like in Hawaii in May?
A. May is one of the best times to visit Hawaii. The average temperatures on the Big Island during the day are around 84°F (26°C) at sea level. During the evenings, temperatures can drop to around 70°F (21°C), and you might want to take a light jacket when going out. The ocean water around the Big Island in Hawaii is typically around 79°F (26°C), a very comfortable temperature for swimming and snorkeling.
Q. Will I need an adaptor or voltage converter for Hawaii?
A. If you are from North America, you will not need a voltage converter for Hawaii. The electricity voltage in Hawaii is 120v. Hawaii uses power plug types A and B. If you are coming from anywhere outside North America, you will likely need to bring a converter/adaptor in order to use your appliances.
Q. What is the official currency of Hawaii?
A. Hawaii's official currency is the U.S. dollar.
Q. What is the official language of Hawaii?
A. The official languages of Hawaii are English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the indigenous Hawaiian language.
Q. What documentation will I need to enter Hawaii?
A. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for domestic travel to Hawaii. This can be a driver's license, passport, REAL ID-compliant card, US passport card, or US military ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the flight reservation. Non-US citizens need additional documentation, including a passport valid for longer than the duration of your stay (six months beyond your date of travel is recommended). An ESTA and/or visa may also be required for some countries. Please consult this page for the entry requirements for your country.
Q. What if I need flight assistance en route?
A. Our travel agency, WTS, will have live agents available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST. For assistance, please call WTS at 1-865-777-1465. This number will roll over to a 24/7 help line with live agent support after office hours. Alternte numbers to try are 1-865-777-1600 or 1-800-251-9047 (U.S. toll free).
WTS will be monitoring all flights on key travel dates and will contact you directly if they become aware of a disruption in your travel. They will also adjust your arrival/departure transport times accordingly.
Q. How far is the Mauna Lani Resort from the Kona International Airport (KOA)?
A. Mauna Lani Resort is approximately 22 miles/35 kilometers from the Kona International Airport (KOA), and the drive typically takes about 30 minutes.
Q. How will I get from the Kona Airport to the Mauna Lani Resort?
A. Ground transportation will be provided from the Kona International Airport (KOA) to Mauna Lani Resort. Upon arrival in Hawaii, you will pass through customs and claim your baggage. A representative from our DMC, Kathy Clarke, will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your waiting transportation, which will bring you to the Ritz-Carlton Resort.
Q. What if I am staying at a different hotel in Hawaii prior to Winners Circle?
A. If you will be staying at another hotel prior to the start of Winners Circle, you will need to arrange your own transportation to Mauna Lani, or you can return to the Kona airport and transportation will be provided from that location ONLY.
If you will be needing transportation at a time other than your expected flight arrival time, please contact the Events Team to schedule an airport pickup and transport to Mauna Lani on your check-in date. You will follow the same instructions listed above to connect with your driver.
Q. What if I am extending my trip and staying at a different hotel in Hawaii after Winners Circle?
A. You are welcome to take the DMC arranged transportation to the Kona International Airport (KOA) and then make your own arrangements from the airport to your final destination.
Q. What time can I check in to Mauna Lani?
A. Hotel Check-In time is 3:00 PM. If your room is not ready when you arrive, you may store your luggage with the Bell Desk and use the resort facilities until the room is ready.
Q. What time is check-out at Mauna Lani?
A. Hotel Check-out time is 12:00 PM. If you have a later flight, you are welcome to store your luggage and use the resort facilities, until it is time for your departure.
Q. How will I get back to the airport from Mauna Lani?
A. While on-site at Mauna Lani you will receive instructions delivered to your room regarding your transport back to the Kona airport on your check-out date, based on your flight departure schedule. These are usually delivered 24-48 hours prior to your departure. You can also stop by the DMC desk at the Hospitality Suite in the Ho'okipa Room to discuss arrangements for your departure transportation.
Q. Can I bring family members on the trip?
A. You are welcome to bring younger family members to the resort at your own expense. Please note that due to legal/liability reasons, as well as the fact that alcohol will be present, we cannot have anyone under the age of 21 present at any company-related activities or meals. All official (hosted) guests, and all those attending any Tungsten Automation hosted activities, must be 21 years of age or older. Only official guests may attend Tungsten-hosted activities.
We will provide transportation to and from the airport and resort for the whole family; please inform us if you will have any children accompanying you, and whether a child safety seat will be required. You will be expected to cover any child-care expenses that may be necessary to allow you to attend the Tungsten-hosted activities.
Q. How many people are allowed to stay in my room?
A. All rooms have a maximum quantity of 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults. A third adult in the room will incur an additional charge of $150 per night. Available room types are: 1 King bed, 1 King bed with pull out sofa, or 2 Queen beds. Please note that bedding is on a request basis only, is based on availability, and is not guaranteed. Rollaway beds are not available. There is no charge for a crib.
Q. Can I book additional activities, beyond the activity provided by Tungsten, during Winners Circle?
A. Yes, you can book additional activities at your own expense through the resort concierge, or on your own.
​
Q. What is the deadline to register for Winners Circle?
A. The deadline to register is Friday, February 28, 2025. If you have not registered by that date, you have declined the invitation.