Kilohana is the tourism division of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).

Kilohana translates to the fine outer layer of a decorated sheet of kapa. Metaphorically it represents excellence in wisdom refined over generations. 

Kilohana is a division of CNHA that will bring together decades of expertise rooted in a shared vision for transformation in the tourism sector. Leading this effort will be Tyler Iokepa Gomes, Chief Administrator of Kilohana.

Strategists, creatives, researchers, and Native Hawaiian cultural experts have gathered to overhaul Hawaiʻi’s approach to destination stewardship, visitor management, and marketing to better share our cultural heritage and values in a way that enriches the lives of residents
and visitors. 

Promote Hawaiʻi as a world class destination while ensuring our traditions and culture are perpetuated, and our community and ʻāina are at the center of this kuleana.

Continuing Our Tradition of Hoʻokipa

Recently, our community celebrated Tourism Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and CNHA took the opportunity to share what we believe is and should always be the foundation of tourism – our people, culture, language, traditions, and our ‘āina.

Inspired by the iconic lei stands of old and our tradition of hoʻokipa, we invited lei makers, hula dancers, artists, and kumu to share their knowledge. We adorned the halls with native plants and fresh kūlolo from our native farms and small businesses.