#Mufi Hannemann

Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders can now apply for the Pacific Century Fellows program, a nine-month experience designed to connect participants with top leaders and explore key challenges facing the state.

The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association on Wednesday celebrated the exceptional contributions of the state’s hospitality workforce in front of an audience of 750 people at the 32nd Annual Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Awards at the Sheraton Waikīkī.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has issued its next round of requests for proposals for its community partnership programs.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has announced its upcoming community partnerships focused on natural resources, cultural initiatives, festivals and signature events. HTA is reinvesting nearly $3 million in partnerships with 105 community-based organizations, projects, programs and events taking place across Hawai‘i from January 1 to June 30, 2025.

As the holiday season approaches, The Giving Machine in Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali is offering a unique way for residents and visitors to give back. These innovative machines, part of a global campaign by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allows people to donate life-changing community gifts, such as food, clothing, diapers, and hygiene items, through a simple, interactive experience.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, in conjunction with the University of Hawai‘i and County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development, invites the Maui community to Kinipōpō Hīna‘i ma Pukalani, ‘Bows vs. Silverswords, to be held on Nov. 1 and 2 on Maui. The two-day event will feature men’s and women’s exhibition basketball games and a clinic for Maui keiki in grades four to six.

Japan tour operators HIS, JALPAK and JTB Hawaiʻi each received Qurator recognition, an official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and -operating companies that remain committed to responsible tourism.

Several Maui County organizations are two dozen statewide beneficiaries of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs, two key initiatives under the Community Tourism Collaboratives, according to an announcement.

In just two days, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s inaugural Work Wise program transformed perception of the tourism industry for its 53 participating high schoolers and graduates from Maui and O‘ahu.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) announced the launch of its two newest Community Tourism Collaborative (CTC) programs: the Community Stewardship Program and the Regenerative Experiences Program. Modeled after the traditional regenerative water system of Hawaiʻi, these programs aim to support and enhance the efforts of organizations dedicated to revitalizing and preserving Hawaiʻi’s sacred spaces and creating sustainable visitor experiences.

Senate Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr. and championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the Legislature, incorporates a regenerative framework into the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act and the state’s Tourism Functional Plan – documents that guide the operation of state and county agencies – by expanding objectives and policies for the visitor industry.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Meet Hawai‘i has launched a refreshed website experience to support its efforts in attracting meetings, conventions, and business groups to the Hawaiian Islands.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched new targeted campaigns as part of its global marketing and visitor education efforts. The purpose of these initiatives is to reinvigorate responsible travel demand from key markets around the world to the Hawaiian Islands.

Most visitors see Hawai‘i as a safe and secure destination, according to the latest Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey released by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The survey complied answers to questions of visitors from the United States, Canada, Japan, Oceania, Korea and China who visited Hawai‘i in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) has partnered with Kanu Hawai‘i to make it easier for visitors to search and sign up for enriching volunteer opportunities throughout the state.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has launched “Mākaukau Maui,” a campaign that aims to revitalize Maui’s economy in the aftermath of last year’s devastating wildfires. Apart from the fire-affected areas of Lahaina Town, the campaign signals that Maui is ready to welcome visitors back to the island.

Community input is being sought on how tourism can be managed in Hawai‘i.

In 2024, HTA is partnering to provide more than $7.5 million in total funding to support 163 nonprofit organizations, community groups, practitioners, projects and events throughout the state.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Board of Directors has approved an immediate six-month action plan for 2024 to help address major challenges confronting residents, small businesses, visitor industry providers, Maui’s economy, and families seeking housing following the August wildfires.

Mufi Hannemann, a longtime business and political leader, was elected chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority Board of Directors and replaces Blaine Miyasato.