Kūkulu Ola (Living Hawaiian Culture Program)
Forecasted
The Kūkulu Ola Program by Hawaii Tourism Authority funds research-based projects that preserve, celebrate, and share Hawaiian culture through authentic, community-driven tourism initiatives.
Funder: Hawaii Tourism Authority
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical award: $30,000 per project; total pool ~$900,000–$1,000,000 annually; 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports nonprofit and community-based projects that perpetuate and celebrate Hawaiian culture through tourism-related activities statewide.
Key Information: Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies may apply; project must occur in Hawaii and create a tourism product.
Description
The Kūkulu Ola (Living Hawaiian Culture Program) is an annual grant program administered by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in partnership with Kilohana Collective. Its mission is to fund community-based initiatives that protect, perpetuate, and celebrate Hawaiian culture, ensuring that traditions, practices, and values are sustained and shared with both residents and visitors. Projects must align with at least one of HTA’s four strategic pillars, with a primary focus on supporting Native Hawaiian culture and the community. Funded activities may include cultural festivals, educational programs, language revitalization, support for cultural practitioners, and innovative tourism products that authentically showcase Hawaiian culture.
