2025 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference

2025 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference

September 22–23, 2025

Hawai‘i Convention Center, Honolulu, Hawai‘i

Presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

---

Mahalo for Joining Us

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority extends a heartfelt mahalo to all who attended the 2025 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference. This year’s theme, “Pupukahi I Holomua – Unite to Move Forward,” brought together industry professionals, community leaders, government officials, and global partners to explore the future of tourism in Hawai‘i. Over two days, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions on regenerative tourism, cultural stewardship, innovation, and collaboration.

---

Conference Highlights

Day 1 – Monday, September 22, 2025

• Resident Sentiment and Visitor Satisfaction (PDF) Destination Management Action Plans have been implemented across the state, to strike a balance between resident and visitor needs. Are we succeeding? This session dives into the latest findings from the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s Resident Sentiment Survey and Visitor Satisfaction & Activity Survey to assess how well we balance the needs of residents and visitors across the islands. Explore what the data reveals about community perspectives, visitor experiences, and the effectiveness of current strategies.
• Enhancing Hawai‘i’s Outdoor Experiences: A Deep Dive into the State’s Department of Land & Natural Resources Activities (PDF) Explore how Hawai‘i is preserving its natural beauty while enriching outdoor experiences for residents and visitors alike. In this session, the team from DLNR highlighted key initiatives such as the new Explore Outdoors Hawai‘i platform, the Nā Manu ‘Elele trail stewards, and the Day Use Mooring Buoy Program. Learn how these efforts protect sensitive environments, promote responsible recreation, and support sustainable tourism. This session also included time for an interactive exchange to develop ideas and solutions to foster meaningful outdoor experiences while responsibly managing Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Lunch – The Green Fee in Focus (PDF) Hawai‘i is at the forefront of regenerative tourism, and the newly established green fee represents an opportunity to align visitor contributions with environmental stewardship. Learn about the origins of the Green Fee, its intended impacts, and the collaborative efforts needed moving forward. Gain valuable insights into how the Green Fee will contribute towards building resiliency against climate change impacts and support the success of sustainable tourism.
• Hawai‘i’s Cruise Industry: Balancing Economic Benefits and Sustainability (PDF) Cruise travel holds a distinctive place in Hawai‘i’s visitor industry, presenting both economic benefits and environmental challenges. This session examined current trends in the global cruise market, recent state policy developments, and ways the industry can advance more sustainable and culturally respectful practices. Discover how Hawai‘i can navigate a balanced approach that honors local priorities while embracing visitors who experience The Hawaiian Islands by sea.
• The Evolving Landscape of Lodging in Hawai‘i (PDF) Join us for the popular Accommodations Update! Jason Gamel, President & CEO of ARDA, Hannah Smith, Senior Analyst from STR, and Raul Mamani, Business Development Manager – Data Solutions shared the latest trends impacting hotels, timeshare, and vacation rentals and what this means for you in Hawai‘i.
• Unpacking Today’s Emerging Traveler Trends (PDF)(PDF) Explore emerging traveler trends — from solo and multigenerational travel to regenerative, purpose-driven tourism — and gain actionable strategies to ensure your offerings and communications align with what today’s travelers truly value.
• Global Strategies for Destination Stewardship: Lessons for Hawai‘i’s Regenerative Future (PDF)(PDF)(PDF) Explore how destinations around the world are approaching visitor management and destination stewardship, highlighting innovative strategies, community-based frameworks, and regenerative tourism models. By examining these global examples, we aim to identify best practices that align with Hawai‘i’s unique cultural values and environmental priorities. The discussion focused on how other regions have successfully balanced tourism with resident well-being and resource protection, and how these approaches can inform or inspire Hawai‘i’s ongoing efforts to build a more regenerative and resilient tourism future.
• Thriving in Transformation: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Governance, and Wellbeing in the Visitor Economy – Research from the TIM School (PDF)(PDF) Join the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Shidler College of Business, School of Travel Industry Management, as they explore critical shifts affecting the Hawai‘i visitor economy. This session covered data-driven transit analysis for O‘ahu, AI’s role in Hawai‘i’s hospitality workforce, the global reach of corporate sustainability reporting, and quality of life in tourism destinations. This session offered a unique opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of the forces reshaping our industry, providing valuable knowledge and perspectives to foster innovation, sustainability, and enhanced well-being for Hawai‘i’s visitors, employees, and residents.
• HTA Strategic Plan Workshop (PDF) Help shape the future of tourism in Hawai‘i—and its role in driving economic development and global competitiveness. As the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority updates its Strategic Plan and the State’s Tourism Function Plan, this interactive session invited industry professionals and community stakeholders to share ideas, priorities, and feedback. Learn about key updates in HTA’s planning process and contribute to a collective vision for a tourism model that supports resident well-being, protects our natural and cultural resources, and strengthens Hawai‘i’s position in a competitive global market.
• Welcome Reception: Celebrating Hawai‘i’s Spirit of Hospitality The conference kicked off with an evening of connection and celebration, bringing together attendees to enjoy local flavors, music, and the warmth of Hawai‘i’s hospitality. The event honored the unique spirit of the islands and the individuals who contribute to the success of our visitor industry. It was a great opportunity for participants to reconnect with colleagues and build new partnerships in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

---

Day 2 – Tuesday, September 23, 2025

• General Session: From Data to Direction – 2026 Marketing and Market Insights for Hawai‘i’s Visitor Industry (PDF) Discover what’s ahead for Hawai‘i’s visitor industry in 2026. Leaders from HTA’s Brand team, DBEDT Tourism Research, and HVCB’s Market Insights team unveiled the 2026 HTA Marketing Directives and shared the latest projections for visitor arrivals, spending, and airlift. This session was designed for industry professionals looking to align strategy with data-driven insights and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
• Brand Marketing Plans 2026: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan Major Market Areas (MMAs) (PDF)(PDF)(PDF)(PDF) This session offered insights into the latest trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics shaping travel from key Asian markets – Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. HTA’s Global Marketing Team shared data-driven strategies and upcoming partnership opportunities to help industry partners support Hawai‘i’s brand, promote regenerative tourism, and stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.
• ʻIke Pono: Safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s Unique Intellectual Property in the Visitor Industry (PDF) Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage is a treasure but also vulnerable to exploitation. This panel delved into the complex issues surrounding the protection of cultural intellectual property (CIP) in the visitor industry. Lawmakers and local experts discussed the challenges and opportunities in protecting Hawai‘i’s unique cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and brand identity in a thriving visitor industry.
• Hawai‘i Hospitality Hall of Fame Dedication & Awards Luncheon As part of the 2025 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference, the Hawai‘i Hospitality Hall of Fame Plaque Dedication and Awards Luncheon honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s visitor industry. This year’s honorees included Robert H. Burns (Regent Hotels & Resorts), Peter S. Fithian (Greeters of Hawai‘i), Joseph Sr. and William Greenbach (Waikīkī Biltmore Hotel), and Walter Sr. and Walter Jr. Smith (Smith’s Boat Tours, Kaua‘i). The Hall of Fame is managed by the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business, and inductees are commemorated on a “Wall of Fame” at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
• Brand Marketing Plans 2026: Canada, Oceania, Europe MMAs (PDF)(PDF)(PDF) This session offered insights into the latest trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics shaping travel from Hawai‘i’s key source markets – Canada, Oceania, and Europe. HTA’s Global Marketing Team shared data-driven strategies and upcoming partnership opportunities to help industry partners support Hawai‘i’s brand, promote regenerative tourism, and stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.
• Regeneration in Action (PDF) Learn how to engage visitors directly from impact stories of regenerative tourism from the people making it happen.
• General Session: 2026 Brand Marketing Plan – Global MCI (PDF) The Meetings, Conventions, and Incentives (MCI) sector is evolving as organizations increasingly seek destinations that offer not only world-class facilities but also authentic, purpose-driven experiences. This session explored key global MCI trends, including shifting client expectations, new event formats, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and cultural connection. HTA’s Meet Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Convention Center teams shared strategic insights and plans to strengthen Hawai‘i’s competitiveness as a culturally rich MCI destination while addressing the upcoming modified 2026–2027 schedule of the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
• General Session: 2026 Brand Marketing Plan – USA MMA (PDF) This session offered insights into the latest trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics shaping travel from Hawai‘i’s core domestic markets. Hawai‘i Tourism USA shared data-driven strategies and upcoming programs and partnership opportunities to help industry partners support Hawai‘i’s brand, promote regenerative tourism, and stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.