What’s Happening Around Our Industry

The Battleship Missouri Memorial Unveils its Newest Exhibit

The Battleship Missouri Memorial held an unveiling and blessing for the opening of a new exhibit – “Life After Infamy: The Resilience of the Aloha Spirit in Wartime Hawai‘i.” The exhibit shares Dorinda Nicholson’s story, what it was like growing up in wartime Hawai‘i and witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II from her Pearl City Peninsula home at 6-years-old. Nicholson is also the inspiration behind the American Girl® doll Nanea™.

The displays feature personal artifacts loaned by Nicholson, including the child’s gas mask that she carried during the war, WWII-era Red Cross items loaned by the American Red Cross – Hawaiʻi Chapter, and the Nanea™ doll that was inspired by Nicholson’s story.

Press Release ►

Bishop Museum Collaborates with UNIQLO Ala Moana to Create New UTme! Designs

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the State of Hawai‘i Museum of Natural and Cultural History, has collaborated with UNIQLO Ala Moana, local artist Jared Nagura, and Museum educators and scientists to create new designs for UTme!, UNIQLO’s custom printing service.

The colorful stamps were designed by Jared Nagura, based on imagery and information shared by the Museum’s subject matter experts. The more than 100 individual stamps represent cultural objects, Hawaiian plants and animals, the Museum’s Hawaiian Hall and Planetarium, as well as the Hawaiian names and representations for constellations that can be seen in our night sky.

Press Release ►

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Launches Qurator

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is excited to announce Qurator, its official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and operating businesses. Qurator serves to guide visitors to Hawai‘i products and experiences that incorporate responsible tourism practices, while adding value and recognizing those businesses for their positive contributions to the environment, community and economy. 

In a pilot program that launched in May, congratulations to the following HVCB members who have already been certified under Qurator: Alaska Airlines, Bishop Museum, Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, Hāna and Beyond, Hawaiian Airlines, Holo Holo Charters, Keoki's Paradise, Maui Chocolate Tour, Southwest Airlines, Stargazers of Hawaiʻi, and Trilogy Excursions.

Press Release ►

House of Mana Up Opens New Location at South Shore Market

House of Mana Up, the retail arm of product accelerator Mana Up, has opened a new location at Ward Village. The shop, which opened July 2, occupies a 1,292-square-foot space in South Shore Market that formerly housed Jana Lam.

This marks the fifth shop for House of Mana Up, which has other locations on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island. Like the existing locations, the new store features products from Hawaiʻi companies that have participated in Mana Up’s accelerator program.

For More Information ►

International Market Place Launches Dining Pass Program for Groups

International Market Place, the open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Waikīkī, has relaunched its popular Dining Pass program for the group and MCI (Meetings, Conventions and Incentives) markets.

This enables organizers to pay one price for each Dining Pass recipient, who in turn can select from various food and beverage items at participating International Market Place restaurants on the Grand Lānai and dining outlets, such as Kūhiō Avenue Food Hall.

Press Release ►

The Feast & Fire Lūʻau Enriches and Enthralls at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is proud to unveil the enhanced Feast & Fire Lū‘au – a Signature Experience for this property and embodiment of OUTRIGGER’s dedication to connecting guests and residents with the host culture. This enchanting experience offers a captivating journey through Hawai‘i’s storied past, featuring mesmerizing performances that illuminate the island's traditions.

Press Release ►

Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery Announces Global Partnership and Exhibition with Gillie and Marc

Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery is proud to announce a one-of-a-kind global partnership and immersive exhibition with prolific public artists, sculptors, painters, and conservationists, Gillie and Marc. The award-winning artists, who have their massive and awe-inspiring animal sculptures featured in more than 250 cities around the world, drive to bring together art, conservation, and public engagement to raise awareness and support for endangered species.

Press Release ►

Tiki’s Grill & Bar Launches New Website

Tiki’s Grill & Bar are excited to share that their website got a new look and are stoked to hear all about it! Head over, poke around, and let them know what you think about it. There’s a little link in the lower right corner when you land on their homepage for a very cool video they made.

Visit Their Website ►

Waikīkī’s Aloha Ambassadors Goes 24/7, Backed by $250K Grant

The Waikīkī Business Improvement District launched a new initiative in partnership with the city to establish a special safety team aimed at supporting the understaffed Honolulu Police Department (HPD) in reducing crime. Starting this week, with a $250,000 city grant, three Aloha Ambassadors will patrol Kūhiō Beach from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. as part of a yearlong pilot project.

For More Information ►

Waikīkī Business Improvement District Unveils New Trash Cans in Waikīkī

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, along with representatives from the state Department of Parks and Recreation, the Waikīkī Business Improvement District and JTB Hawaii Inc., gathered Monday by the Duke Kahanamoku statue to unveil the first three of 26 specialty trash cans set to be installed around Waikīkī.

The new trash cans will be placed throughout Kūhiō Beach Park — starting from the Honolulu Police Department substation by the Duke Kahanamoku statue and extending out to Waikīkī Wall adjacent to Kapahulu Avenue.

For More Information ►

Business Incubator Program at Waimea Valley

The Waimea Valley Business Incubator is a nine-month entrepreneurship program for Native Hawaiians, veterans, and local residents, who want to build a meaningful, successful business rooted in self-sufficiency and Hawaiian cultural values.

Whether you are just starting out, or want to improve your existing business, this program is designed to help you create a profitable business through a series of business foundation & cultural workshops, networking, and 1-on-1 technical assistance.

For More Information ►

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali Expands Wellness Offerings

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali has expanded its commitment to wellness with a new partnership with Aloha Fitness Maui. This exciting collaboration will enhance the hotel’s fitness offerings beyond yoga, introducing results-driven classes such as Bodyweight Burner, Glutes & Core, Ocean Front Circuits, and a new one-on-one personal training option.

Press Release ►

In the News

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Names New Chef de Cuisine

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on Hawaiʻi Island announced Monday that it has appointed Reyn Nishizuka as the new chef de cuisine for on-property restaurant Meridia. Nishizuka brings 15 years of culinary experience to the role. During his career, Nishizuka has worked with renowned chefs, and he has curated private dining events for a number of celebrities.

For More Information ►

Industry Partner Opportunities

HVCB's Industry Job Board

Have you posted your company's open positions to HVCB’s Tourism & Hospitality Job Board?

Jobseekers are able to browse listings by island or use a keyword search to find their best options. The Job Board is available to the public and is promoted through social media and our partner associations.

Instructions on how to submit a posting can be found at https://www.hvcb.org/extranet/submit-a-job-opening.

If you have any questions about the job board or trouble with your submission, please contact us at membership@hvcb.org.

Employment Opportunities

Join the HVCB ‘Ohana 

Interested in becoming a part of the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau ‘Ohana? Check out the following open positions.

• Membership Coordinator (Honolulu, HI)
• Client Services Manager (Honolulu, HI)

For More Information ►

Awards & Recognition

BBB Foundation’s 2024 Torch Awards - Apply Now

The Torch Awards for Ethics honors BBB Foundation's businesses and entrepreneurs of the year that demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices. These companies set an example for others to follow and build trust in the marketplace. This award is for businesses that are three years old or more, and is the most prestigious recognition an organization can receive from BBB. Apply by Sunday, July 21!

For More Information ►

Holo Holo Charters Inducted into Hawaiʻi Green Business Program

Holo Holo Charters boat tour company is proud to announce the induction into the Hawaiʻi Green Business Program. This designation is Hawaiʻi-based and in line with their pledge to remain a sustainable and environmentally conscious company.

For More Information ►

Pacific Business News’ 2024 Pineapple Awards

The Pineapple Awards honors individuals for their leadership in the industry, their achievements in presenting an authentic Hawaiʻi visitor experience, and their community involvement.

Congratulations to all HVCB Members recognized in this year’s Pineapple Awards. The recognition event will be held on September 12, from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, at ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

For More Information ►

TravelAge West Presents 2024 WAVE Awards

Congratulations to the following HVCB members and industry partners who received recognition in this year’s list: Pleasant Holidays won “Best Tour Operator, Hawai‘i.” For resorts and hotels, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels received the awards for “Best Hotel Brand” and “Best Hotel Brand for Families, Hawai‘i.” Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort was honored as the “Best New Resort or Major Renovation, Hawai‘i,” and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, was recognized as the “Best Resort for Cultural Immersion, Hawai‘i.”

The Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) was also honored with three top TravelAge West 2024 WAVE Awards in the categories: “U.S. Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support,” "Best Marketing by a Tourism Board, U.S.” and “Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction, USA.”

For More Information ►

Travel + Leisure Announces World’s Best Awards 2024 Honorees

Travel + Leisure readers found beauty, culture, and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey, proving, yet again, that this archipelago is one of the most diverse and adaptable vacation destinations in the world. From Kauaʻi to Hawaiʻi Island, they weighed in on their top resort experiences.

Congratulations to all the HVCB members who were recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024 in the Favorite Resorts in Hawaiʻi category.

For More Information ►

Events

Hawaiʻi's World Class Events Calendar

Get a taste of some of the exciting annual events and festivals around Hawaiʻi. Discover delicious food, vibrant culture, thrilling sports, and more. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

For a complete and updated Hawaiʻi calendar, please visit the link below.

For More Information ►

NaHHA Spotlights Hawaiʻi Island in July Webinar Series

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association's webinars are widely attended by professionals across industries, often including members of the public who desire to learn more about Hawaiian culture and its rich history. Topics include foundational values, an introduction to Hawaiian language, cultural etiquette and familiarization and other place-based education courses. Its July series spotlights Hawaiʻi island.

For More Information ►

Kauaʻi

The 38th Annual Kōloa Plantation Days Festival will be held on Kauaʻi’s south shore from July 19 - 28, 2024. The many ethnic groups that came to Hawaiʻi to work on sugar plantations, and the Hawaiians who welcomed them, are celebrated through music, dance, costumes, and food throughout this ten-day festival. 

For More Information ►

Oʻahu

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the State of Hawai‘i Museum of Natural and Cultural History, will open a new exhibit in its Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center: Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi’s Birds opens during the Museum After Hours event on Friday night, July 12, 2024. The exhibit coincides with Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele, the Year of the Forest Birds, a campaign to celebrate and raise awareness around Hawaiʻi’s Native forest birds.

Press Release ►

Hawaiian Pie Company Pop Up at Nordstrom

Saturday, July 13

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

This coming Saturday, we'll be popping up at Nordstrom Ala Moana as part of their big Anniversary Sale. Visit us on the second floor of the store (the floor with the E-Bar coffee shop) for an assortment of mini and full-sized pies. We may bring a few other goodies, so stop by and check us out!

Free Lei Making Classes Return to International Market Place

International Market Place is delighted to announce the return of its highly popular Lei Making class, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistry and tradition of lei crafting. Guests are invited to join the class for FREE, no reservations needed. Classes are held every third Tuesday of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For More Information ►

Summer Concert Series at Waimea Valley

Saturday, July 27 | 2:00 PM

Join our emcee Kimo Kahoʻāno on Waimea Valley’s Main Lawn for an afternoon of Hawaiian mele and hula. Bring your dance moves, your aloha spirit, and your friends and family. No outside food or drink is permitted. Gates open at 11:30 am.

For More Information ►

Save the Date! 2025 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

After an unforgettable 43rd annual event, Guests are already clamoring for tickets to the 2025 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival! Make sure to mark your calendars for Kapalua’s most memorable celebration of food, wine and the ‘good life’ next June 5 - 8th.

For More Information ►