Native Hawaiian culture is at the heart of our islands' uniqueness. There has been a renaissance of the Hawaiian language and culture since the late 70's. Hawaiian practitioners are increasingly visible in the visitor industry. HTA supports programs that perpetuate and recognize the uniqueness and integrity of the Hawaiian culture and community and their significance in differentiating the Hawaiian Islands through unique and genuine visitor experiences.
Through the Kūkulu Ola program, HTA is reinvesting $500,000 to support 21 nonprofit organizations statewide to implement cultural projects and programs from January to June 2025 that directly benefit communities and perpetuate living Hawaiian culture.
View Full Release and List of January to June 2025 Kūkulu Ola Awardees
For more information about this initiative contact Blane Andrade at (808) 973-2262 or via email at [email protected].
Through the Hoʻokipa Malihini Initiative, HTA is reinvesting $195,000 in five community groups, musicians, and practitioners from January to June 2025.
View Full Release and List of January to June 2025 Kūkulu Ola Awardees
For the 2025-2006 Hoʻokipa Malihini Initiative, HTA is partnering with Kilohana to administer the program through ʻUmeke Powered by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.The application period for the 2025-2026 term CLOSED on April 1, 2025. This term is for projects taking place between July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Award notifications are anticipated for the end of June 2025.
For more information about this initiative, contact Blane Andrade at (808) 973-2262 or via email at [email protected]
Hawaii is a special place, with a blend of cultures, activities, and experiences unique in the world. These islands have drawn the attention of travel marketers and journalists throughout the years, dating back to authors Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson. Along the way, some of those who have featured Hawaii have not always been intimately familiar with the Islands. As a result, our destination has often been misrepresented or inaccurately portrayed.
In response to these issues, we have developed the Maʻemaʻe Toolkit. It will provide you with the essential information you need to accurately and sensitively promote the Hawaiian Islands. For further information or assistance, please contact us.
The HTA provides support to the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, a lead organization in implementing HTA's Hawaiian Culture initiatives. These programs and efforts are focused on continuing to bridge the gap between the Hawaiian community and the visitor industry. NaHHA's mission is to promote Hawaiian culture, values, and traditions in the workplace through consultation and education, and to provide opportunities for the Native Hawaiian Community to shape the future of tourism.
To help market Hawai‘i authentically, browse through a resource of Hawaiian language tools, style and information guides, cultural activities and festivals, and other pertinent information.
Register to access the Knowledge Bank, a public resource of images related to Hawai‘i and tourism-related activities.
HTA's Global Marketing Team offers a variety of consumer, travel trade, and MCI marketing opportunities. Partnership opportunities include digital and social media marketing, public relations, travel trade, and meeting sales programs.
Read the latest announcements that provide up-to-date information about current HTA's programs, events