ISLAND OF HAWAII JAPANESE HULA FESTIVAL AND MARKETPLACE PLANNING PROJECT
Summary
The County of Hawaiʻi seeks a qualified consultant to plan and develop partnerships for two complementary cultural tourism initiatives launching in Fall 2027:
1. Inaugural Hawai'i Island Japanese Hula Festival - A cultural exchange event connecting Hawai'i Island hālau with Japanese hula practitioners and enthusiasts.
2. Island of Hawaiʻi Marketplace - A vendor marketplace featuring Hawaiʻi Island-made products, services, cultural demonstrations, food, and creative experiences designed to elevate local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
This 6-month planning engagement covers foundational planning, partnership development, and pre-event preparation through delivery of a complete event implementation package. Both initiatives will be planned concurrently and launched together to maximize cultural authenticity, community benefit, and economic impact.
Key Planning Aims:
- Establish cultural partnerships between Hawai'i Island and Japan through authentic hula practice
- Support Hawai'i Island hālau, Kumu Hula, makers, and cultural practitioners
- Create a platform for sustainable cultural tourism that uplifts communities
- Develop a marketplace that elevates Hawaiʻi Island-made products and creative entrepreneurs
- Deliver comprehensive planning documentation ready for event execution
- Align with regenerative tourism principles and County economic development priorities
Details
| Solicitation Number | 27-0071 |
| Type | Active |
| Posted | 2026-10-27 6:00AM EDT (14 days ago) |
| Response Deadline | 2026-11-27 9:00PM EST (in 17 days) |
| City | Hilo |
| State | HI |
| ZIP | 96720 |
Description
The County of Hawaiʻi seeks a qualified consultant to plan and develop partnerships for two complementary cultural tourism initiatives launching in Fall 2027:
1. Inaugural Hawai'i Island Japanese Hula Festival - A cultural exchange event connecting Hawai'i Island hālau with Japanese hula practitioners and enthusiasts.
2. Island of Hawaiʻi Marketplace - A vendor marketplace featuring Hawaiʻi Island-made products, services, cultural demonstrations, food, and creative experiences designed to elevate local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
This 6-month planning engagement covers foundational planning, partnership development, and pre-event preparation through delivery of a complete event implementation package. Both initiatives will be planned concurrently and launched together to maximize cultural authenticity, community benefit, and economic impact.
Key Planning Aims:
- Establish cultural partnerships between Hawai'i Island and Japan through authentic hula practice
- Support Hawai'i Island hālau, Kumu Hula, makers, and cultural practitioners
- Create a platform for sustainable cultural tourism that uplifts communities
- Develop a marketplace that elevates Hawaiʻi Island-made products and creative entrepreneurs
- Deliver comprehensive planning documentation ready for event execution
- Align with regenerative tourism principles and County economic development priorities
Contact
| Name | Stephanie Letro |
| Email / phone | 🔒 Available with Pro Upgrade |