Kukulu Ola Grant Program

The Kukulu Ola Program is administered under the Umeke initiative powered by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency responsible for managing tourism in Hawaii in alignment with economic, cultural, environmental, and community priorities. HTA’s strategic framework is built around four pillars: Natural Resources, Hawaiian Culture, Community, and Brand Marketing. The Kukulu Ola Program specifically advances the Hawaiian Culture pillar by supporting initiatives that preserve, perpetuate, and authentically integrate Native Hawaiian culture into the visitor industry. The program is administered by Kilohana, a division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, which manages application intake and program oversight. The primary purpose of the program is to fund community-based projects and events that strengthen the relationship between the tourism sector and Hawaiian communities while ensuring that cultural practices are respected, accurate, and sustained. Eligible projects must demonstrate tourism product development and align with at least one of HTA’s strategic pillars. Program objectives include revitalizing the Hawaiian language, elevating cultural practitioners, supporting artists and educators, and creating meaningful experiences for both residents and visitors. Projects are expected to demonstrate community collaboration and provide educational value that enhances visitor understanding of Hawaiian culture and cultural sites. Funding is provided as fixed awards of 30000 dollars per project. Awardees must comply with strict budget requirements, including allocating at least 30 percent of funds toward marketing and limiting administrative costs to no more than 15 percent. A mandatory one-to-one match is required, with at least half of the match provided as cash and the remainder allowable as cash or in-kind contributions. Funds may not be used for ineligible expenses such as capital improvements, fundraising events, merchandise for resale, or projects already funded by other HTA programs. Projects must take place within the State of Hawaii between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government agencies. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for organizations without nonprofit designation, but for-profit entities are explicitly excluded even if using a fiscal sponsor. Applicants must submit proposals through an online portal and include required documentation such as a budget narrative, organizational documents, letters of support, insurance certificates, and a vendor compliance certificate. Additional required proposal components include a detailed project description, marketing plan, anticipated attendance metrics, and impact measurement strategies. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee composed of community members, industry experts, and HTA representatives. Proposals are scored based on project impact, alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, and budget feasibility. Additional consideration is given to projects occurring during shoulder tourism periods and those introducing new or enhanced experiences. Successful applicants must enter into a contractual agreement with Kilohana and comply with reporting, documentation, and promotional requirements throughout the project lifecycle. The application window opens April 9, 2026 and closes May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM Hawaii Standard Time. Informational sessions are offered to guide applicants through the process. Award notifications are expected between June 15 and June 30, 2026. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with HTA’s strategic planning and funding timelines.

Align project strongly with Hawaiian culture pillar; demonstrate authentic cultural engagement; show measurable impact and community partnerships; ensure budget compliance with matching and allocation rules