Hawaiian Culture

Courtesy of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Goal:  To honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community.

In January 2004, the HTA formed the HTA’s Hawaiian Cultural Program Advisory Council (HCPAC) representing key agencies involved with the Hawaiian community, visitor industry representatives, cultural practitioners, and each county. The HCPAC was formed to address the relationship between the visitor industry, the Hawaiian culture and the community and currently includes representatives from the following organizations:  Paliku Documentary Films, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Oahu Visitors Bureau, Board of Education, Hawaiian Airlines, University of Hawaii, and Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

Working with guidance from HCPAC, the HTA addresses the Hawaiian Culture initiative in the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 [pdf], through the following efforts:

Native Hawaiian Signature Events Program
The HTA provides support to the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, a lead organization for the Hawaiian Cutlure initiatve in the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 [pdf].

• Prince Kuhio Celebration held annually in March, to honor a noted Hawaiian prince for his many achievements and contributions
• Merrie Monarch Festival held annually in April, is a festival that aims to perpetuate, preserve and promote the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education
• King Kamehameha Celebration held each June, in commemoration of Hawaii’s first monarch, King Kamehameha I
• Prince Lot Hula Festival held in July, is a non-competitive hula event that includes halau (hula schools) from Hawaii and abroad
• Aloha Festivals held from August through October is a long standing event that celebrates the Hawaiian culture through various activities and events on all major islands.

Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program

This HTA program provides funding through requests for proposals (RFP) to support organizations that enhance, strengthen and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. Each year, the HTA selects a small group of worthy organizations that will receive funding through its Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program.

Download a complete list of 2014 Kukulu Ola: Living Hawaiian Culture Program Awardees. [pdf]

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
The HTA provides support to the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, a lead organization for the Hawaiian Cutlure initiatve in the Hawaii TSP. Various programs and efforts are focused on continuing to bridge the gap between the Hawaiian community and the visitor industry.