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.
Support for Native Hawaiian Signature events is a key element in supporting and perpetuating Hawaiian culture as well as providing unique and memorable experiences for Hawaii's visitors.
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 Maemae 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.
Founded on the value of ma ka hana ka ike (in working one learns), the Kukulu Ola program is partnering with awardees who enhance, strengthen and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The programs were chosen by the HTA and its Hawaiian Cultural Advisory Committee on criteria designed to address the goal and guiding principles identified in the 2020-2025 HTA Strategic Plan. The goal: Support Native Hawaiian Culture & Community. Hooulu (grow) the uniqueness and integrity of the Native Hawaiian culture and community through genuine experiences for both visitors and residents. The guiding principles include: Strengthen the relationship between the visitor industry and the Hawaiian community.
For 2020, HTA awarded $1,535,000 in funding through its Kukulu Ola Program to 43 nonprofit programs statewide that are perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Due to the budget impacts caused by COVID-19, the overall value of each project’s award was reduced by 50% in May 2020. This reduced the total funding amount to $680,100 and to 33 total active contracts for the Kukulu Ola program. Due to availability of funding, HTA will not issue a Request for Proposals for projects and events that take place in 2021.
For more information about this initiative, contact Kalani Kaanaana at (808) 973-2281 or via email [email protected].
To help market Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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