Ko Olina Resort on Oahu has formed a partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) to expand cultural programming and guide future development at the resort area. The collaboration includes plans for CNHA to curate nearly 18 acres of land dedicated to enhancing visitor engagement with Native Hawaiian culture, arts and traditions.
The partnership aims to strengthen visitor connections with Hawaiian culture while ensuring that future development of the area aligns with cultural values. CNHA will serve as a cultural consultant for Ko Olina's current and future projects.
"We're excited about this partnership because it's a significant step toward bringing balance to tourism in Hawaii,” said Kuhio Lewis, CEO of CNHA. “Our goal is to help shape a destination that Hawaii — especially our West Oahu community — can be proud of. For the visitor industry to be truly regenerative, it must be guided by Native Hawaiian perspectives and rooted in authentic cultural experiences. We applaud Ko Olina for recognizing the importance of cultural integrity and for taking meaningful steps to ensure that Native Hawaiian voices are integrated into the stewardship of this special place."
The resort, located in the Honouliuli ahupuaa (a traditional Hawaiian land division), has historical significance as a former retreat for alii (chiefs or nobles) and as a navigational point for fishermen.
"As the largest Native Hawaiian organization in the state, CNHA brings invaluable expertise and cultural stewardship to this partnership," said Jeff Stone, owner and master developer of Ko Olina. "Ko Olina has always been a place of significance for Hawaiians — historically, culturally and spiritually. We recognize our responsibility to respect and preserve that legacy. Working alongside Native Hawaiians ensures that Ko Olina continues to honor cultural traditions while offering enriching experiences to visitors from around the world."
Future plans include exploring the development of a Hawaiian cultural center or gathering space in collaboration with CNHA, the Ko Olina Community Association and the Ko Olina Resort Operators Association. This center would complement the existing Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Ko Olina Resort. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
