Signature Events Grant Program

The Signature Events Program is administered by Kilohana on behalf of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency responsible for managing tourism in a sustainable and community-centered manner. HTA’s mission is to balance economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. This program is part of HTA’s broader strategy to reinvest tourism revenues into initiatives that strengthen Hawai‘i’s global brand while ensuring that tourism positively contributes to local communities. The program aligns specifically with HTA’s strategic pillar focused on brand marketing and aims to elevate Hawai‘i’s position as a unique and culturally rich destination. The purpose of the Signature Events Program is to fund large-scale events that generate significant economic impact, attract out-of-state visitors, and showcase Hawai‘i’s cultural and natural assets. Eligible projects must provide enriching and authentic experiences that respect Hawaiian traditions, natural resources, and community values. Events should demonstrate the ability to draw national and international audiences, generate media exposure, and be strategically scheduled during shoulder seasons to support year-round tourism. The program supports both new and existing events, provided they align with HTA’s objectives and demonstrate measurable tourism product development. Funding is provided as fixed awards of 100000 dollars per project. Awardees must adhere to strict budget requirements, including allocating at least 50 percent of funds to marketing and limiting administrative costs to no more than 15 percent. A mandatory 1:1 matching requirement applies, with at least half of the match in cash and the remainder allowed as cash or in-kind contributions. Certain expenses are explicitly prohibited, including capital improvements, fundraising activities, salaries, and equipment purchases. Projects must occur within Hawai‘i between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Eligibility is open to licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and for-profit businesses. Fiscal sponsorship is not permitted. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to execute large-scale events, provide detailed marketing and media exposure plans, and align their project with one of several tourism niche areas such as cultural tourism, sports tourism, or culinary tourism. Projects must also align with at least one of HTA’s four strategic pillars and demonstrate strong community engagement and economic impact. Applications must be submitted through the Kilohana online portal. Required components include organizational documentation, a detailed budget and narrative, letters of support, insurance certification, and project descriptions. Applicants must also provide comprehensive responses covering project scope, marketing strategy, anticipated attendance, risk management, and performance metrics. Evaluation is conducted by a selection committee using criteria such as project impact, organizational capacity, marketing effectiveness, and budget feasibility. The application deadline is May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM HST. The RFP was released on April 9, 2026, and an informational session was held on April 16, 2026. Award notifications are expected between June 15 and June 30, 2026. Successful applicants will enter into a contract with Kilohana and must comply with reporting, documentation, and promotional requirements throughout the project period. The program is recurring annually, supporting ongoing investment in tourism-driven events across the state. For questions, applicants may contact Program Manager Fred Egami via email at fred@kilohana.com or by phone at (808) 784-4465. General inquiries can be directed to umeke@kilohana.com or (808) 596-8155. Additional resources, including FAQs and application guidance, are available through the Kilohana website.

Ensure strong marketing plan and measurable economic impact; align with HTA strategic pillars; emphasize cultural authenticity and visitor attraction