Natural Resources

To respect, enhance and perpetuate Hawai‘i's natural resources to ensure a high level of satisfaction for residents and visitors.

Natural Resources

The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most ecologically diverse in a single location. These islands hold 27 of 38 Holdridge Lifezones, making them the single most habitat rich place on Earth. Their beauty unsurpassed and their fragility equally so. HTA is committed to supporting programs that protect their verdant beauty for generations to come.

HTA’s Kahu ‘Āina (formerly known as Aloha ʻĀina) program is focused on the lasting value of stewardship by responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on ‘āina-Kānaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge. The collective objective is to manage, conserve and revitalize Hawai‘i’s natural resources and environment.

A key program sponsored by HTA is the funding of the Ala Wai Watershed Collaborative. This public-private partnership with a diverse set of participating entities is working toward a holistic and systems-based solution to implement a regional plan and funding mechanism to improve the health of the overall watershed flowing into Māmala Bay and Waikīkī Beach. 

In addition to supporting community programs, HTA partners with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to enhance its efforts to protect Hawai‘i’s environment from mauka to makai (from the tops of our sacred mountains to the waters that give us life).

 

 


Kahu ʻĀina

The Kahu ʻĀina program (formerly known as Aloha ʻĀina) is part of HTA’s commitment toward Mālama Kuʻu Home (caring for my beloved home) and the interacting pillars of its 2025 Strategic Plan.  The Aloha ʻĀina program provides funding support to responsible community-based entities with an emphasis on ʻāina-Kānaka (land-human) relationships and knowledge that manage, preserve, and regenerate Hawai‘i’s natural resources and environment.

Through the Kahu ‘Āina program, HTA is reinvesting $500,000 in 16 community groups and projects from January to June 2025.  
View Full Release and List of January to June 2025 Kahu ʻĀina Awardees

For the 2025-2026 Kahu ʻĀina Program, 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 Lindsay Sanborn at 808-973-2264 or via email at [email protected]

 

 


Sustainable Tourism

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) plays a significant role in caring for and sustaining Hawai'iʻs ecosystem. Promoting Visitor Industry Alignment with the Aloha+ Challenge, Hawai'iʻs recognized model to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially for energy and water.

Maʻemaʻe Toolkit

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.

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Partnership Opportunities

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.

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Announcements

Read the latest announcements that provide up-to-date information about current HTA's programs, events and activities.

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