Tourism



Hawaii’s heritage traditions span more than 1400 years of documented history across the Pacific; the state has undergone a rapid transformation from 160 years of plantation economics to a new and much more sustainable economically diverse system incorporating tourism, technology, film/recording industry, agriculture and academic study. This new diversity has brought a plethora of new goods, services, processes and products which are slowly adding to the economic pie, and can be modeled into new opportunities for sustainable, rurally-based businesses through an organized demonstration project of Heritage Tourism. Although no absolute numbers are currently available, a heritage-oriented industry value of $370 million and more than 800 jobs is estimated. These sectors, with proper training, marketing and promotion, could easily triple in value and create a new and sustainable level for Hawaii’s visitor industry particularly on Hawaii Island. Of the 1.4 million visitors to Hawaii Island, 10% or an estimated 140,000 visit solely for cultural and heritage events, which is a growing and lucrative market for “new” tourism products and services.

(Estimate based on 10% of existing tourist revenue base – DBEDT 2003)

Any designation of heritage tourism carries an important responsibility to maintain the lands and natural resources that are celebrated. Although this is sustainable tourism, it is vitally important to ensure proper education, maintenance and political will in inviting participants to learn about the care of Hawaii’s natural resources, and to join in that effort of preservation and education.

Since 1999, HIEDB has developed eight popular island wide educational brochures and websites featuring Heritage Tourism – Na Paniolo o Hawaii, Cultural/Heritage Tourism, Hilo/Hamakua Heritage Corridor, Volcano Heritage Corridor, Ka’u Heritage Corridor and Four (4) Agricultural Tourism site maps.

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