Haʻikū umauma, haʻi kū e!

Follow together, follow shouting!

Used in chants while transporting newly made canoes from mauka to makai.



The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s mission is to strategically manage Hawaiʻi tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. Doing so requires adjusting to new times and needs. In our continued growth in destination management, the adjustments we make are deeply rooted in our purpose which has been shared with those who have contributed to this kuleana along the way.

As we say aloha to outgoing board members Keone Downing, George Kam, and Ben Rafter, we extend a mahalo for their leadership as we carried this canoe from mauka to makai and set sail toward a regenerative model of tourism that is Hawaiʻi. And as we continue on this journey, we welcome aboard three new board members – Mufi Hannemann from the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, Blaine Miyasato from Hawaiian Airlines, and James Kunane Tokioka from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. We look forward to the journey of Mālama Hawaiʻi together.

Save the Date for the 2023 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference 

HTA is excited to announce the dates for our 2023 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference, which will be held on Monday and Tuesday, October 2 and 3 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The conference will focus on our ongoing efforts to shape a regenerative tourism future for Hawaiʻi that prioritizes the well-being of our people, places, and culture. We will cover various topics, including the progress made in implementing our community-based Destination Management Action Plans, updates from our Global Marketing Team, and perspectives from industry and community leaders who are actively driving positive change in Hawaiʻi.

Please save the date and keep an eye on your inbox for more information and registration details, which will be provided in the coming months.

HTA Recognized for Commitment to Sustainability at Hawai‘i Green Business Awards

HTA was honored at the Annual Hawai‘i Green Business Awards for our commitment to sustainable business practices. The 2022 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference was recognized as a Green Event Awardee, and the Hawaiʻi Convention Center was recognized as a Green Venue Awardee. In addition to our own recognition, two HTA-supported events – the 2022 Sony Open and the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions – were honored as green event awardees. HTA is proud to support the Green Business Program and its work to recognize the efforts of organizations and events that share our commitment to sustainability, as guided by our Natural Resources pillar and community-based Destination Management Action Plans.

HTA Reinvests $1.35 Million to Support Community Organizations Through the Aloha ʻĀina Program

HTA recently awarded $1.35 million in funding statewide to support community-based programs through our Aloha ‘Āina program in fiscal year 2023-2024. This program uplifts community organizations and projects that protect and regenerate Hawai‘i’s natural resources and cultural sites. Since 2010, HTA has provided nearly $13.3 million to support 370 programs that preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to administer the Aloha ‘Āina program and support these deserving community organizations. To learn more and see the list of awardees, click here.

New Signs at Waipi‘o Valley Lookout Perpetuate Cultural Heritage and Enhance Visitor Experience

With funding from HTA and in collaboration with the County of Hawai‘i and Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau, we are excited to share that aged signs at Waipi‘o Valley Lookout displaying historical and cultural ‘ike have been replaced. The new signs ensure visitors can properly experience the storied history of Waipi‘o Valley. This project advances Action A of the Hawaiʻi Island Destination Management Action Plan, which aims to protect and preserve culturally significant places and communicate the importance of these places to visitors. By preserving the moʻolelo of cultural sites, we uphold our commitment to regenerative tourism and prioritize the well-being of our cultural and natural resources. 

HTA Reinvests $1.35 Million to Perpetuate Hawaiian Culture 

HTA has awarded $1.35 million in funding statewide to support community-based programs through the Kūkulu Ola program. In alignment with our Hawaiian culture pillar, the Kūkulu Ola program provides support to community groups and cultural practitioners that enhance, strengthen and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. Since 2010, HTA has provided more than $12.5 million to support 360 community organizations and programs that are committed to cultural sustainability throughout Hawai‘i. HTA is pleased to partner with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to administer the Kūkulu Ola program for fiscal year 2023-2024. To learn more and see the list of awardees, click here.

Nā Lamakū Hoʻokipa - Beacons of Hospitality



In partnership with the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA), HTA convened meetings with Nā Lamakū Hoʻokipa, literally translated to Beacons of Hospitality. These Cultural Leaders are instrumental in guiding and influencing the genuine and authentic representation of Hawaiian culture in the visitor industry. HTA and NaHHA staff met with individuals who are employed, contracted, or in an advisory or volunteer capacity role that have the kuleana to manage resources and information based in Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian language, Hawaiian cultural values, and indigenous Native Hawaiian knowledge.

Guest speakers included Kuʻuipo Kumukahi and Makalika Nāholowaʻa for the Oʻahu gathering, Shane Akoni Nelsen for the Hawaiʻi island gathering and Cody Pueo Pata for the Maui gathering. Each presenter provided insight that engaged attendees in important discussions about appropriate cultural representation in their specific roles that contributes to the larger shared kuleana.

HTA will continue to support industry professionals that perpetuate the uniqueness of the native Hawaiian culture and community. This directly impacts our responsibility to ensure that the Hawaiian culture is accurately portrayed by Hawaiʻi's visitor industry and celebrated amongst ourselves and our malihini. 

HTA Launches Regenerative Tourism Initiatives in Keaukaha: Steward Pilot Program and Cultural-Based Education Promote Responsible Visitation

As part of our ongoing commitment to destination management, HTA has launched two new initiatives in the Keaukaha area of Hawai‘i Island. The Keaukaha Steward Pilot Program is led by four local stewards who are playing a vital role in educating visitors about the area's history, collecting visitation data, and mitigating unwanted behaviors. In parallel, the Community Cultural-Based Education Program, led by the Keliʻi William Ioane Legacy Foundation, is focused on preserving the cultural and natural resources of Keaukaha while promoting responsible visitation.

These programs are the result of a collaborative effort between HTA, the County of Hawai‘i, Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau, and various community partners, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping a regenerative tourism future.

HTA Presents Haku Mele Award at the 46th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards

The Historic Hawaiʻi Theatre welcomed Hawaiʻi’s local artists and supporters for a night of celebration at the 46th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards on July 1. Founded in 1978 by radio personality Krash Kealoha of KCCN-AM whose show focused on traditional Hawaiian music, the first Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards launched with the support of the radio station’s owner Sydney Grayson and DJs Kimo Kahoʻāno and Jacqueline “Skylark” Rossetti. Now hosted by the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), this premiere music event upholds and advances the Hawaiian music and recording business by paying homage to the past, fostering the present and future, and creating a healthy music industry. Available for the world to see, this program is broadcasted live via Hawaiʻi News Now, K5, and KHNL. The awards recognize the top Hawaiʻi recordings and videos in a variety of genres. At its foundation is Hawaiian music.

The importance of perpetuating ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) through music was honored in an entire section presented in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language). On behalf of HTA, Chief Brand Officer Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā and Senior Brand Manager ʻIwalani Kūaliʻi Kahoʻohanohano announced the winner of this year’s Haku Mele award in their ʻōlelo Makuahine (mother tongue). HTA is proud to have supported the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for over eight years as a part of the Signature Events program.

Hawai‘i Tourism USA

Travel Advisors Honor HTUSA and Hawai‘i with Top Industry Awards

Hawai‘i Tourism USA (HTUSA) earned two highly coveted awards on behalf of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and the destination at the 2023 American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Global Convention, Hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from May 2 through 4. This year’s convention was attended by more than 1,000 travel advisors, suppliers, and industry professionals. Voted by ASTA members, the awards recognized travel advisors, agency owners, and suppliers most supportive of the trade and its broader advocacy efforts. For the fifth consecutive year, HTUSA was awarded the title of ASTA's North American Destination Partner of the Year.

HTUSA was also celebrated for the 10th consecutive year as Top U.S. Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support, and Hawai‘i rated Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction, USA, in the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Advisor’s Vote of Excellence) Awards. More than 6,500 U.S. travel advisor professionals and readers of TravelAge West selected award winners from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients. The awards were presented on June 8 in Marina del Rey, California.

HTUSA and Island Chapters Host Successful Week of Virtual Meetings with National Media

From May 22 to 26, the HTUSA and Island Chapter public relations teams met with 37 top-tier national media during their statewide Hawai‘i Virtual Media Blitz. The teams provided informational updates from across the islands, including details on destination management efforts and the importance of mindful travel through voluntourism, supporting local and more. The teams booked 37 one-on-one appointments with media representing multiple outlets, including Travel + Leisure, Men’s Journal, AFAR, National Geographic, U.S. News and World Report, and TravelAge West. As a mahalo for participating, media representatives that were interviewed were sent amenity boxes featuring a selection of unique local products curated by Mana Up Hawai‘i.

Global MCI

Meet Hawai‘i Continues Strategic Partnership with PCMA EduCon

Meet Hawai‘i was proud to support the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and its PCMA EduCon 2023 conference, held June 25 through 28, in Montreal, Canada. Renowned for its groundbreaking approach to education and fostering meaningful connections through small-group learning, EduCon is an industrywide beacon of innovation, attracting thought leaders, event marketers, experience designers and business events strategists from across the globe. Alongside esteemed partners from Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort and Marriott International, Meet Hawai‘i showcased its commitment to excellence with a beautiful floral booth. In addition, PCMA’s native article, “5 Things You May Not Know About Hawai‘i,” was part of the ad credits of this year’s PCMA strategic partnership.

Annual Destination Hawai‘i Event Set for August 29-31



Northstar Media is set to hold its highly anticipated Destination Hawai‘i 2023 annual event at Wailea Beach Resort, Aug. 29 through 31. Approximately 40 meeting and incentive professionals have been invited to participate in the event’s hosted-buyer program, which showcases industry partners representing hotels, destination management companies, activities, attractions and gift companies. The three-day event also includes accredited education hours that may applied toward attendees’ CMP or CMM designation. Now celebrating its 20th year, Destination Hawai‘i is the leading hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals looking to do business in Hawai‘i.

Read more stories about our work to advance a regenerative tourism future at holomua.hawaiitourismauthority.org.