Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority announces 2026 Community Enrichment Program recipients
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority announced July 28 that 49 organizations from throughout the state will receive a total of $1.5 million to support 60 programs via the 2026 Community Enrichment Program.
Funding supports community-based events and experiences that celebrate Hawaiʻi’s culture, natural resources and sense of place.
Funding is provided for unique, authentic experiences developed by communities for residents and visitors. Eligible projects include those focused on agriculture, culture, culinary arts, education, health and wellness, nature, sports and voluntourism.
“Community-based organizations play an important role in creating experiences that reflect the character and diversity of our islands,” said Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Caroline Anderson in a state release. “Through the Community Enrichment Program, we’re supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, celebrate local culture and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
The selected projects run from July through December and represent a diverse range of cultural festivals, agricultural events, educational programs, sporting events and community experiences throughout the state.
Selected projects, dates and organizations follow.
Statewide
| Dates | Project | Organization | Island |
| July 17-19 and Aug. 22 | 8th Garden Island Boogie Board Classic and 18th Hubb Keiki Fest | Kaikeha | Kauaʻi and Oʻahu |
| July-November | Hot Kūpuna Nights | Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society | Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island |
| September-December | Hawaiʻi Stays with You: Voluntourism Expansion Program | Kanu Hawaiʻi | Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island |
| Oct. 18 and Nov. 8 | Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — Kona and Kauaʻi | Ki-Hoʻalu Foundation | Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi |
| December | Mahiʻai2Visit | Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation | Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island |
Hawaiʻi Island
| Dates | Project | Organization |
| August and November | Kahilu Fall Festival Series | Kahilu Theatre Foundation |
| July-September | Niʻaulani Nature Trail, Cultural Experiences and Forest Fair | Volcano Art Center |
| July-November | From Blossom to Barrel: Hawaiʻi Honey and Pollinator Experience | Bird and Bee Animal Sanctuary |
| July-December | Ke Kai Ola Open Houses and Volunteer Conservation Program | The Marine Mammal Center — Ke Kai Ola |
| Sept. 10-12 | Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival 2026 | Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival |
| Sept. 2-3 | Paniolo Preservation Society 25th Anniversary Celebration and Ka Mea Kanu ʻAi: Paniolo BBQ and Slack Key Celebration | Nā‘ālehu Theatre |
| Sept. 3-7 | 52nd Annual Queen Liliʻuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Race | Kai ʻŌpua Canoe Club |
| Sept. 19 | ʻUlu Festival | Friends of Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden |
| Nov. 6-7 | ʻAha Hawaiʻi Kuauli Workshop Series | Hawaiʻi Island Pacific and Asia Cultural Celebration |
| Nov. 6-15 | 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival | Kona Coffee Cultural Festival |
Visit the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority website for additional information.
Photo from a past Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)- Photo from past Hawaiʻi Songwriting Festival. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)
- Photo from past Hot Kūpuna Nights. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)
Visit the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority website for additional information.
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