The Global Meaningful Travel Map
The Hawaiian Islands
About
The Hawaiian Islands offer more than just stunning landscapes and diverse activities - they provide meaningful connections through the stories and values of their people. Beyond pristine beaches and majestic mountains lies a vibrant culture shared through mele (songs), fragrant lei, and cherished traditions. What makes Hawaiʻi truly unique is the intersection of place and people: small towns with local artisans, cultural festivals that bring communities together, and experiences that support Native Hawaiian knowledge and practices. Visitors are encouraged to engage meaningfully with local communities, whether through farmers markets, community events, or cultural activities. By experiencing Hawaiʻi through its people, visitors gain deeper appreciation for these Islands while helping tourism benefit local communities.
Learn more at https://www.gohawaii.com/thepeopletheplace
Impact
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) leads the state's tourism management efforts through a regenerative framework focused on destination stewardship, community empowerment, perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture and authentic brand marketing. Working closely with county destination management organizations and community stakeholders, HTA ensures tourism serves residents first. Through its marketing partner in the continental U.S., the Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), HTA's Strategic Plan and Destination Management Action Plans are integrated into visitor messaging that balances economic benefits with environmental sustainability and community wellbeing across all islands.
Through initiatives like the Mālama Hawaiʻi Program, HTA and HVCB connect visitors with meaningful volunteer opportunities supporting local nonprofits, cultural practitioners, and environmental organizations. The organizations' emphasis on mindful travel includes educating visitors about Hawaiian values and traditions, supporting Native Hawaiian businesses and cultural programs, and promoting experiences that create positive impacts for local communities. Success is measured not just through visitor statistics, but through resident sentiment, environmental indicators, and the preservation of cultural resources. This holistic approach ensures tourism benefits flow to communities while protecting what makes Hawaiʻi special for future generations.
To learn more, please contact: rbasso@hvcb.org