HTA invites local businesses and community organizations to learn how to reach Hawaiʻi’s visitors
Hawaiʻi farmers, makers, small-business owners, cultural practitioners and nonprofits interested in reaching visitors are invited to register for the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s 2026 Foundational Technical Assistance workshops. Offered in partnership with Kilohana Collective, a division of Hawaiian Council, the two-day workshops will teach participants how the visitor industry works, how to attract customers, and how to develop and price products and experiences.
The workshops are designed for people who want to benefit from the visitor industry, as well as businesses and organizations seeking to expand their work with visitors.
“Tourism can bring new customers to a farm or small business — and new participants to a community program,” said Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO. “These workshops give people the tools to get started — from reaching visitors and marketing what they offer, to setting prices that sustain their work. Our goal is to extend the benefits of tourism to more people across Hawaiʻi and help diversify our economy by ensuring more local businesses and communities have opportunities in tourism.”
Participants will learn what influences visitors’ decisions about what to do and buy, how to communicate what makes their product or experience worth choosing and how to develop an offering that reflects their community and culture. Industry panels and hands-on activities will give participants opportunities to ask questions, work on their ideas and meet business owners, makers and visitor industry professionals.
The previous workshops in 2024 drew more than 300 attendees from small businesses, agritourism and voluntourism operators, stewardship-focused nonprofit organizations and other visitor industry professionals. All participants reported increased skills and knowledge following the workshops and 93% said they were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their experience.
In 2026, the workshops will expand to two days, with new content, speakers, hands-on activities and networking opportunities to deliver value for both new and returning participants.
Workshop dates and locations
- Maui: Oct. 30-31 at J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku
- Oʻahu: Nov. 13-14 at East-West Center in Honolulu
- Hawaiʻi Island: Nov. 20 at Laʻiʻōpua 2020 in Kailua-Kona for Day 1; Nov. 21 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo for Day 2
- Kauaʻi: Dec. 4-5 in Līhuʻe. Venue to be announced
Workshops run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Registration is $80 for both days or $45 for one day, plus tax — and includes breakfast and lunch. Participants may attend one or both days. Space is limited. Register now to secure a spot.
Travel scholarships may be available for attendees from Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. For more information, including scholarship details, email aloha@
Register at regenerativetourismhawaii.
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