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 |
Kauaʻi
| Dates | Project | Organization |
| July 10-11 | Soto Zen Bon Festival | Kauaʻi Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji |
| July-December | Downtown Līhuʻe Night Market | Rice Street Business Association |
| July-December | Downtown Līhuʻe Annual Events | Rice Street Business Association |
| Aug. 1-2 | Heiva I Kauaʻi Tahitian Dance and Drumming Competition | Heiva I Kauaʻi |
| Sept. 6 | The 2026 Kauaʻi Marathon and Half Marathon | The Kauaʻi Marathon |
| Sept. 20-26 | Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival 2026 | Mālie Foundation |
| September-November | Olohena ʻĀINA Center: Connecting Visitors to Local Food | Mālama Kauaʻi |
| Oct. 18 | 2026 Kauaʻi Chocolate and Coffee Festival | Mālama Kauaʻi |
| Oct. 9-10 | Matsuri Kauaʻi 2026 (41st) | Kauaʻi Japanese Cultural Society |
| Nov. 7 | Eō Emalani I Alakaʻi | Historic Waimea Theater and Cultural Arts Center |
| Dec. 19 | 2026 Waimea Light Parade | Historic Waimea Theater and Cultural Arts Center |
Photo from past Kauaʻi Marathon and Half Marathon. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)- Photo from past Kauaʻi Mokihana. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)
- Photo from past Downtown Līhuʻe Night Market. (Courtesy Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority)
Visit the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority website for additional information.
