The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) has taken a significant step in promoting and preserving the state’s unique culture through its Ho’okipa Malihini Initiative, which includes a remarkable investment of $1.9 billion directed towards enriching local communities via 21 signature events.
This initiative is part of HTA’s dedication to destination stewardship, executed in cooperation with Kilohana, a division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
The Signature Events program focuses on projects that not only protect but also enhance Hawai‘i’s globally recognized brand in a manner that is both coordinated and market-appropriate.
“These world-class festivals shine a global spotlight on our athletes, artists, and unparalleled beauty, while invigorating our economy,” stated 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.”
Among the cultural events supported by HTA, several standout gatherings exemplify the mission of the initiative:
The Aloha Festivals, a beloved event in its 79th year, showcases the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony,along with the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a and Annual Floral Parade.
Another important event is the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII, which is a four-day celebration honoring the final surviving veterans of the war and commemorating the historic surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.
In April 2026, the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival Broadcast will highlight Hawai‘i’s premier hula celebration in Hilo, a cherished traditional art form.
The 43rd Annual Pan-Pacific Festival is a three-day multicultural celebration featuring vibrant cultural performances, international exchange, and a wide array of culinary offerings, drawing participants from Japan, Asia, and the Pacific.
The Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest in Waikīkī continues to celebrate Duke’s legacy, featuring cultural ceremonies, traditional surfboard making, and sports competitions.
Additionally, the Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival stands out as the state’s premier culinary event, showcasing the talents of Hawai‘i’s chefs, farmers, and food culture.
The Hawai‘i International Film Festival serves as the Pacific’s leading cinematic event, showcasing not only global talent but also amplifying the work of Hawai‘i’s filmmakers, with a strong representation of Native Hawaiian talent.
The 30th Honolulu Festival celebrates the diverse heritage of Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim through music, dance, art, and enriching cultural exchanges.
In honoring King Kamehameha I, the 2026 King Kamehameha Celebrations will mark the 154th annual holiday with lei draping ceremonies, a floral parade, and hō‘olaule‘a.
The Mele Hula Festival is another remarkable event, spanning multiple days to celebrate the intertwined traditions of mele and hula, while the Prince Lot Hula Festival stands as Hawai‘i’s largest noncompetitive hula showcase, upholding cultural preservation through a two-day event.
In terms of sports, HTA also supports a range of premier events that draw significant attention and participation:
The Hawai‘i Bowl was established in 2002 to promote the University of Hawai‘i and is one of just two NCAA men’s football bowl games that guarantees a home team berth when eligible.
Each December, the 53rd Honolulu Marathon attracts runners from around the globe, challenging them with a 26.2-mile course that showcases the breathtaking scenery of the islands.
Additionally, the Hoops in Hawaii Classic—a premier collegiate basketball tournament—blends high-level competition with cultural programming, engaging local youth athletes.
Even further emphasizing Hawai‘i’s athletic prowess is the IRONMAN World Championship, an elite endurance event held in Kailua-Kona for over four decades.
Scheduled for April 27, 2025, the 2025 Maui Marathon, Hawai‘i’s longest-running marathon, will return to West Maui, aiding in the region’s recovery following the wildfires of 2023.
Canoe racing also plays a significant role in Hawaiian sports culture, with events such as the Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships—a challenging 32-mile race across the Ka‘iwi Channel—and the 41-mile Moloka‘i Hoe canoe race, which has celebrated Hawaiian culture for over 70 years.
The Na Wahine O Ke Kai World Championship Canoe Race, a tribute to the strength and leadership of women in Hawaiian canoe traditions, also showcases this cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Southwest Maui Invitational is the premier early-season college basketball tournament in the U.S., while the TransPacific Volleyball Championships is recognized as Hawai‘i’s largest indoor sporting event, drawing over 360 teams and 25,000 attendees from across the Pacific.
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