Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Announces Selected Organizations for Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences Programs

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Announces Selected Organizations for Community
Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences Programs
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is proud to announce the selection of
organizations for its Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs, two key
initiatives under the Community Tourism Collaboratives (CTC).
A 2024 technical needs assessment completed by HTA in partnership with Kilohana by CNHA
revealed key capacity-building activities that HTA could focus on to advance a regenerative
tourism model for Hawaiʻi. Following a highly competitive application and rigorous evaluation
process, 24 organizations have been chosen to participate in these transformative capacitybuilding programs aimed at fostering regenerative tourism and preserving Hawaiʻi’s cultural and
natural resources.
“The selection of these remarkable organizations marks a significant step forward in our efforts
to create a more regenerative and culturally respectful tourism model in Hawaiʻi,” said Mufi
Hannemann, HTA Board Chair. “These cohort programs will empower our community partners
to expand their invaluable work, ensuring that our islands’ cultural and natural resources are
preserved and enriched for future generations.”
“We are thrilled to support these organizations as they lead Hawaiʻi’s transition to a regenerative
model of tourism,” said Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi, HTA’s Interim President & CEO. “The diverse range of
organizations and projects that will receive capacity-building training and technical assistance
through these programs highlight the innovative approaches being taken across the islands to
mālama ʻāina and create meaningful visitor experiences.”
The selected organizations will commence their participation in the program cohorts
immediately, with the expectation that all funded projects will be completed by December 1,
2024. HTA will continue to monitor and support these projects, ensuring that they align with the
goals of the Community Tourism Collaboratives to advance regenerative tourism.
Community Stewardship
Nine organizations have been selected for the Community Stewardship Program, receiving
technical assistance and funding to grow their stewardship work ranging from $18,500 to
$50,000. This funding will support their efforts in protecting and revitalizing Hawaiʻi’s sacred
spaces and important cultural sites. Each organization will benefit from capacity-building
opportunities, including specialized workshops, professional services, and tailored consultations
designed to enhance their stewardship activities.
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa
Hālawa Valley, Molokaʻi
As stewards of this ʻāina for over 27 years, Ahupuaʻa ʻO Hālawa (AOH) has a long-standing
commitment to the stewardship of Hālawa Valley. Founded in April of this year, its mission is to
preserve and protect the valley’s cultural and natural resources through community engagement
and education. AOH plans to use the ʻike and funding gained through this program to utilize
marketing and cultural education consultants to develop their website and online presence, in
order to become a greater player and steward of culturally-based, regenerative programs on
Molokaʻi. Follow-on funding: $42,500.
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Keaukaha, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative (‘AHI) is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to restore and
conserve loko iʻa (Native Hawaiian fishponds) and wetlands at Lokowaka Pond complex to
create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. ʻAHI seeks guidance to develop their organization in
areas of document creation, volunteer management, data collection, and funding; and plans to
use program funds to hire a project manager, purchase materials for restoration work at
Lokowaka, and hire Kupu Hawai‘i for conservation work. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
East Maui Land Restoration
Honomanū Waterfall, Maui
East Maui Land Restoration 501(c)(3) serves as an umbrella for Hāna Highway Regulation, a
visitor education and tourism management initiative for Hāna Highway, and East Maui Farm
which focuses on rebuilding ancient taro patches at Honomanū. The funding requested will be
utilized to enhance stewardship efforts and acquire necessary equipment for efforts to restore
land into the future. Follow-on funding: $44,000.
Haleakalā Conservancy
Haleakalā, Maui
Haleakalā Conservancy has been the philanthropic partner of Haleakalā National Park for the
last four years, supporting programs (e.g., night stargazing) and other initiatives (e.g., powered
wheelchairs for visitors) that are otherwise not covered in the National Park Service budget. The
Conservancy seeks to build a robust volunteer network and develop internal capacity to apply
for grants in the future. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā
Wahiawā, Oʻahu
Wahiawā Hawaiian Civic Club was organized 89 years ago to specifically maintain Kūkaniloko
Birth Site, share her moʻolelo, and to preserve all things Hawaiian – seen and unseen. Since
Kūkaniloko Birth Site is no longer publicly accessible without expressed entry permission,
Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawā will be using their funding to develop their moʻolelo and “sense
of place” in an online, virtual format; and learn from professionals about how to best collect data
for future grant and funding requests to keep the work of this near century-old organization
going for generations to come. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Hui Aloha Kīholo
Kīholo State Park Reserve, Hawaiʻi Island
Founded in 2007, Hui Aloha Kīholo (HAK) seeks to protect Kīholo in pono ways by activating
community to mālama ʻāina, developing a sustainable revenue model (e.g., camping permits),
educating keiki in place-based environmental and cultural practices, and protecting wahi pana
such as Keanalele cave and Wai ʻŌpae from further degradation. Through this program, HAK
seeks to update their website, creating a comprehensive community resource particularly to
promote involvement opportunities, and hopes to develop a better, more integrated data
collection plan. Follow-on funding: $50,000.
Hui O Laka
Kōkeʻe & Waimea Canyon, Kauaʻi
Hui o Laka operates the Kōkeʻe Museum, a natural history and cultural museum founded in
1954 with the intention of educating the public about Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon. Hui o Laka
seeks to expand its virtual outreach and camping reservation system by modernizing and
enhancing its website and social media presence, and thus share ʻike of Kōkeʻe with a broader
audience within and beyond the pae ʻāina. Follow-on funding: $18,500.
North Shore Community Land Trust
Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu
Founded in 1997, North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is a community-driven
organization focused on the preservation and protection of the 60,000+ acres of Oʻahu’s North
Shore, including through specific programs like Waialeʻe Laka Pono that seeks to restore the
native ecosystem and food systems in the ahupuaʻa of Waialeʻe. Funding will be used to clear
invasive plants from the Waialeʻe area, host community work days, and initiate agroforestry as a
new pillar for restoration alongside mālama for the loʻi kalo and wetlands. Follow-on funding:
$50,000.
Pōhāhā I Ka Lani
Waipiʻo Valley, Hawaiʻi Island
Established in 2001, Pōhāhā I Ka Lani conducts place-based cultural education, land
stewardship, and community engagement at sacred places throughout Waipi‘o Valley and ‘Ōla‘a
on Hawai‘i Island. The organization is seeking fundraising guidance and organizational
development opportunities (e.g., revenue generation, staff training) through their participation in
this program. Follow-on funding: $45,000.
Regenerative Experiences
Fifteen organizations have been chosen for the Regenerative Experiences Program, with
direct funding to seed their regenerative transformation ranging from $20,000 to $35,000. These
funds will be used to develop and enhance visitor experiences that are deeply rooted in the
principles of regenerative tourism. By participating in this program, organizations will create
market-ready activities that foster reciprocal relationships between residents and visitors,
ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by all.
Aloha with Touch Kauaʻi
Islandwide, Kaua‘i
Aloha with Touch Kauaʻi is committed to providing high-quality cultural and wellness retreat
experiences. The organization hopes to increase partnerships with local experience providers,
host more local retreats, and transition from a classic business model to a more purpose-driven
approach focused on transforming perceptions of Hawaiʻi for visitors. Follow-on funding:
$20,000.
Ancient Leaf Tea
Onomea Bay, Pāpaʻikou, Hawaiʻi Island
Ancient Leaf Tea is a family-owned and operated LLC founded in 2004 with the mission of
producing the finest in organically and regeneratively grown teas and produce on its farm near
Onomea Bay. The company currently has one major farm tour offering called the Tea Tour and
Tasting, a two-and-a-half hour long experience that starts with a one-hour tour of tea fields and
market gardens. Given that the length and price of this tour is geared toward higher-spending
visitors, they hope to expand their operations to be more accessible for larger groups and local
community members. Follow-on funding: $24,000.
Anelakai
Keauhou Bay, Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
Anelakai is a paddle-powered ocean tourism company based in Keauhou Bay on the island of
Hawaiʻi which offers guided, culturally-rich Hawaiian Double Hull Canoe tours as well as kayak
tours. Anelakai’s goal is to be truly sustainable and non-invasive with no motors, leaving no
carbon footprint, yet leaving a love and appreciation for the ocean and island with everyone they
host. Program funds will allow the company to further hone their guides’ knowledge of the areas
they tour, as well as customize their food and beverage offerings to be locally made and
sourced. Follow-on funding: $20,000.
Common Ground Kauaʻi
Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi
Common Ground Kauaʻi is a 63-acre, regenerative hospitality company that offers a Farm and
Food Experience from Monday through Friday that includes a 45-minute tour of their agroforest
followed by a 100% locally sourced meal. They would like to build on this success by expanding
offerings to include more culturally grounded experiences which adhere to their commitment of
sourcing 100% of its ingredients locally and sharing the cultural traditions and stories of ʻŌiwi
culture. Follow-on funding: $35,000.
Hāna Arts
Hāna, Maui
Established in 1991, Hāna Arts has evolved into a comprehensive arts and cultural education
provider, offering a wide array of cultural and artistic programs. Hāna Arts seeks to enhance and
expand its cultural workshop offerings at the Hāna Farmers Market. These workshops, which
currently include experiences such as lei making, lauhala weaving, and ulana niu (coconut frond
weaving) are a cornerstone of their community engagement and cultural preservation efforts.
Follow-on funding: $20,000.
Hoʻi Hoʻi Ea
Waikāne, Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Hoʻi Hoʻi Ea is a community-driven, Native Hawaiian-led organization dedicated to the
preservation and restoration of Hawaiian cultural practices and natural resources. The
organization is currently exploring and developing a co-stewardship model with the City and
County of Honolulu, securing rights of access to 29 acres of the 500-acre parcel designated for
preservation in Waikāne Valley. Within the next two to three years, they envision transforming
the site into a dynamic pilot project that serves as a vibrant community hub and cultural park.
Participation in this program helps lay the foundation for this dramatic future expansion. Followon funding: $25,000.
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin
Honolulu & Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin (HHHB) is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Hawaiʻi,
which brings together spiritual leaders from the community of Waiʻanae, Oʻahu. These leaders
have come together to discuss the creation of a special experience that offers exposure to
indigenous Hawaiian spirituality and Buddhist spirituality/philosophy, and the intersection
between the two worldviews. HHHB intends to flesh out this experience through participation in
this program with a launch in the near future. Follow-on funding: $25,000.
KAʻEHU
Paukūkalo, Wailuku, Maui
KAʻEHU currently runs a program called the Community Environmental Stewardship Program
(CESP) which acts as a huakaʻi for residents and visitors. With the intention of regenerating
coastal ecology and Hawaiian cultural practices, this program facilitates stewardship upon the
lands of the nonprofit, utilizing the ʻauwai, loʻi kalo, māla, its green house, and the shoreline of
Kaʻehu Bay (and eventually its loko iʻa) to provide mālama activities on ʻāina. Integrating both
the spectrum of service of the CESP and the intentionality of its voluntourism activities, KAʻEHU
would like to expand its services to conference and convention attendees traveling to Maui.
Follow-on funding: $25,000.
Kahuku Farms
Kahuku, Oʻahu
Kahuku Farms, located on the North Shore of Oʻahu, is a five-acre, family-owned farm with an
onsite Farm Café that opened in October 2010. Their “Farm to Table” guided tour and seasonal
fruit tasting is offered Thursday to Monday throughout the year. At the beginning of 2024,
Kahuku Farms made it a goal to improve their guest experience and tour offerings, as their farm
is so diversified and there is so much to share. Through this program, they seek to revamp their
tour program to offer new and more immersive experiences for guests. Follow-on funding:
$34,000.
Kuilima Farm
Kahuku, Oʻahu
Kuilima Farm is a 468-acre farm on Oʻahu’s North Shore in Kahuku which seeks to emphasize
sustainable agriculture, reduce reliance on imported goods, and enhance food security on the
island through guided tours and experiences. The Kuilima Farm tour currently takes guests
through the Piko that showcases native plants. However, by integrating traditional planting
methods, storytelling, and display exhibits with assistance from this program, they aim to create
a transformative visitor journey that not only educates but also inspires a deeper appreciation
for Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural heritage. Follow-on funding: $27,500.
Mahina Farms Maui
ʻĪao, Wailuku, Maui
Mahina Farms Maui is a Native Hawaiian-owned family farm nestled in ʻĪao Valley, whose
passion lies in cultivating native and non-native plants, canoe crops, and other species with
specific cultural uses, honoring its ancestral knowledge and connection to the land. Through this
program, they envision developing a transformative small-group cultural immersion experience
that invites visitors to connect deeply with Native Hawaiian traditions, ʻike, and ʻāina. Follow-on
funding: $25,000.
Men of PAʻA
Pāhoa, Puna, Hawaiʻi Island
The mission of the Men of PAʻA is to empower and enable Kānaka Maoli, particularly Native
Hawaiian men coming out of the justice system who seek recovery, restoration, and
reconciliation with themselves, their ‘ohana and their community. The organization’s Imu Mea
ʻAi initiative offers immersive experiences in traditional Hawaiian cooking and cultural practices.
They aim to expand their farm operations to grow more Hawaiian staple foods like ʻuala and ʻulu
and source more local ingredients, and develop and diversify their visitor experiences. Followon funding: $25,500.
Moloka‘i Land Trust
Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi
The mission of the Moloka‘i Land Trust is to protect and restore the land and natural and cultural
resources of Moloka‘i. Moloka‘i Land Trust works to promote, educate, and perpetuate the
unique Native Hawaiian traditions and character of the island for the benefit of future
generations of all Moloka‘i, particularly Native Hawaiians. The organization’s funding request is
designed to support a new project focused on the establishment of a yellow seeded wiliwili
forest and complementary understory native vegetation to support traditional lei makers on the
island. Follow-on funding: $35,500.
North Shore EcoTours
Haleʻiwa, Waialua, Oʻahu
Founded in 2009, North Shore EcoTours is a mālama ʻāina focused eco-tour program aimed at
building environmental and cultural resiliency in Hawaiʻi through regenerative tourism practices
with a weekly tour schedule consisting of two different hiking experiences and three unique offroad driving excursions. The company would like to incorporate more mālama ʻāina work into
their day-to-day activities. Follow-on funding: $25,000.
Tea Hawaiʻi & Company
Volcano Village, Puna, Hawaiʻi Island
Tea Hawaiʻi & Company was established in 2006 by Eva Lee & Chiu Leong to expand Hawaiʻi
tea agriculture and farming culture while preserving Hawaiʻi’s native forest environment. The
company currently offers tea tour and tasting experiences headquartered in Volcano Village.
One of their primary program objectives is to scale up marketing to inform the public about
Hawaiʻi’s first generation of the specialty crop tea culture, and further engage the Japan visitor
market. Follow-on funding: $34,000.
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