For Immediate Release: July 23, 2026
HTA Release (26-16)
07-23-2026 HTA Kukulu Ola program recipients 26-16.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2026
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has awarded $900,000 in funding to 30 community-based organizations through the end of the year as part of its Kūkulu Ola program, as part of its commitment to supporting and strengthening Native Hawaiian culture by providing genuine experiences for residents and visitors statewide.
“These organizations are advancing Native Hawaiian culture through education, stewardship and cultural practice,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of HTA. “Kūkulu Ola supports their work to strengthen connections to place and help residents and visitors better understand the culture and values that define Hawaiʻi.”
The Kūkulu Ola program is administered in partnership with Kilohana, a division of the Hawaiian Council (formerly named the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement). Thirty organizations were selected for their ability to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural practices, provide educational programming, preserve cultural sites and build community pride. Many of the funded projects offer intergenerational learning opportunities, mentor emerging cultural leaders and present authentic experiences that are accessible to both residents and visitors.
Statewide
| Organization | Project name |
| Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Foundation | Hawaiian History Month 2026 |
| INPEACE Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture | Kaulele |
| Kāhuli Leo Leʻa | Kani a Ola: Economic Resilience for Mele Practitioners |
Hawaiʻi Island
| Organization | Project name |
| Destination Hilo Foundation | Hilo’s Visitor Greetings and Hawaiian Cultural Programs |
| Hui Aloha ʻĀina Momona | Hānai Maile |
| Lighthouse Project | Made for Hawaiʻi Market |
| Men of PAʻA | Hoʻokahua i ka Ike: Imu Mea ʻAi Cultural Preservation System |
| Pōhāhā I Ka Lani | Kawaikapu o Hiʻilawe |
| Uhiwai O Haleakalā | Ēwe Hānau o ka ʻĀina: Natives of this Land |
| Volcano Art Center | Arts of Hawaiʻi: Aloha Friday Programs at Kīlauea |
Kauaʻi
| Organization | Project name |
| Kumano I Ke Ala O Makaweli | Kulāiwi Connection Project |
| Rice Street Business Association | Hoʻokipa Kaiāulu |
| Waipā Foundation | Waipā Food & Farm Tours: Site Restoration and Erosion Mitigation |
Maui Nui
| Organization | Project name |
| Hāna Arts | Mele at the Market: Na Poʻalima ma Hāna |
| Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center | Molokaʻi Timeline Project |
| Kīpahulu ‘Ohana Inc. | Kīpahulu ʻĀina Momona Cultural Education Program |
| Pūlama Ka Heke | Molokaʻi Farmers Market Cultural Workshop Expansion |
Oʻahu
| Organization | Project name |
| Aloha Festivals | 2026 Kūhiō Beach Hula Show |
| Bishop Museum | Nānā i Ke Kumu 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Land Trust | Kūkulu ʻĀina & Community at Maunawila Heiau Complex (Hauʻula) |
| Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance | Culture in AgriCULTURE |
| Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society Inc. | Waikīkī By Moonlight |
| Hikaʻalani | Kūlana ʻIke Kupuna |
| Huli Ka Lima | Kupu Project: Growing Pilina with ʻĀina for Community and Visitors |
| Mānoa Heritage Center | Perpetuating Hawaiian Culture Through Authentic Experiences |
| Moanalua Gardens Foundation Inc. | The 49th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival |
| PAʻI Foundation | PAʻI Presents: MAMo Wearable Art Show |
| The Friends of Iolani Palace | Kamaʻāina Sunday 2026 |
| The Lawrence and Hokulani De Rego Foundation | Hula ʻOni E Hula Festival |
| Waikīkī Community Center | The Aloha Exchange: Mo‘olelo through Hawaiian Cultural Arts |
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High-resolution images are available here.
Media Contact:
Jill Radke
Public Affairs Officer
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, State of Hawai‘i