Hawaii Tourism Authority Announces Nearly $2 Billion Initative for Local Communities

Image: Merrie Monarch Festival Broadcast in Hilo (Photo Credit: Hawai'i Tourism Authority)

by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Fri August 8, 2025

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority supports the state’s cultural ambassadors through its Ho’okipa Malihini Initiative, investing $1.9 billion to enrich local communities through 21 signature events.

The Signature Events program is one of HTA’s destination stewardship programs, administered in partnership with Kilohana, a division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. HTA’s Signature Events includes projects selected for their ability to protect and enhance Hawai‘i’s globally competitive brand in a coordinated and market-appropriate manner.

“These world-class festivals shine a global spotlight on our athletes, artists and unparalleled beauty, while invigorating our economy,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of HTA. “They highlight what makes Hawai‘i special — our rich culture, diverse communities and a shared sense of place — creating memorable experiences for both our residents and visitors.”

Signature events include:

Culture and the Arts

Aloha Festivals- the longest-running event for over 79 years features the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony, Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a and Annual Floral Parade. ?
The 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII four-day celebration honors the last surviving veterans of the war, including seven who witnessed the 1945 Surrender Ceremony aboard the USS Missouri.
The 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival Broadcast showcases Hawai‘i’s premier hula celebration in Hilo April 2026.
The 43rd Annual Pan-Pacific Festival- a three-day multicultural celebration with cultural performances, food and international exchange drawing participants from Japan, Asia and the Pacific.
The Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest in Waikīkī honors Duke’s legacy with cultural ceremonies, traditional surfboard making and sports competitions. ?
The Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival- the state’s premier culinary event, showcasing Hawai‘i’s chefs, farmers and food culture.
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival- the Pacific’s premier cinematic event, showcasing global and Hawai‘i-made films, with a strong representation of Native Hawaiian talent.
The 30th Honolulu Festival celebrates the heritage and diversity of Hawai?i and the Pacific Rim through music, dance, art and cultural exchange. ?
The 2026 King Kamehameha Celebrations mark the 154th annual holiday honoring King Kamehameha I through lei draping ceremonies, a floral parade and hō‘olaule‘a. ?
The Mele Hula Festival- a multiday cultural event celebrating the integrated traditions of mele and hula. ?
The Prince Lot Hula Festival- Hawai‘i’s largest noncompetitive hula showcase, celebrating 48 years of cultural preservation in a two-day event.?

Sports

The Hawai‘i Bowl, established in 2002 to promote the University of Hawai‘i is one of two NCAA men’s football bowl games that guarantees a home team berth when eligible. ?
The 53rd Honolulu Marathon in December draws runners from Hawai‘i and from around the world to challenge themselves on the 26.2-mile course.
The Hoops in Hawaii Classic- a premier collegiate basketball tournament blending high-level competition with cultural programming and community engagement, supporting local youth athletes.
The IRONMAN World Championship- a premier global endurance event that attracts top athletes from around the world, held in Kailua-Kona for over 40 years.
The 2025 Maui Marathon, Hawai‘i’s longest-running marathon, returns to West Maui on April 27, supporting the region’s recovery post-2023 wildfires. ?
The Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships- a 32-mile race across the Ka‘iwi Channel, celebrating Hawai‘i’s paddling culture.
The Moloka‘i Hoe- a 41-mile ocean canoe race across the Ka‘iwi Channel for men, celebrating Hawaiian culture, resilience and unity for over 70 years. ?
The Na Wahine O Ke Kai World Championship Canoe Race- a 41-mile Ka‘iwi Channel crossing celebrating the strength, leadership and heritage of women in Hawaiian canoe culture. ??
The Southwest Maui Invitational- the premier early-season college basketball tournament in the U.S. ??
The TransPacific Volleyball Championships- Hawai‘i’s largest indoor sports event, drawing over 360 teams and 25,000 attendees from across the Pacific.