Ko Olina Resort and Hawaiian Council Partner to Expand Native Hawaiian Cultural Tourism and Economic Opportunities
Ko Olina Resort and the Hawaiian Council have formed a partnership aimed at increasing the involvement of Native Hawaiians in shaping the visitor experience and creating economic opportunities for residents of West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, CEO and president of the Hawaiian Council, stated that Native Hawaiians should lead the sharing of their culture and stories with visitors, ensuring these experiences also benefit the local community. The collaboration provides a platform for Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, artists, and businesses to engage with tourists, while simultaneously working to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. This includes storytelling initiatives throughout the resort to explain the history and significance of Hawaiian place names and cultural sites. The partnership offers a variety of cultural experiences for both visitors and residents, such as lauhala weaving, lei-making, Hawaiian cultural workshops, and stewardship activities. Additionally, Ko Olina and the Hawaiian Council co-...