Hawaii

How Generation Z Is Revolutionizing Hawaii Travel, Like It Or Not

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

How Generation Z Is Revolutionizing Hawaii Travel, Like It Or Not

Generation Z, born from 1997-2010, is fast reshaping the Hawaiian tourism landscape. Together with unique values, a deep-rooted social and digital prowess, and a desire for authenticity, this demographic is transforming the traditional vacation playbook in the islands. Here’s how:

Millennials, the generation that came before (1981-1996), were introduced to technology. Gen Z, however, has never known life before the Internet. They were born into a world of screens and smartphones.

Gen Z uses technology for everything from problem-solving to communicating. Since they are digital natives, they can spot marketing ploys and inauthenticity across multiple formats.

Gen Z makes up 21% of the U.S. population and spends more on travel than any other generation. Their spending power could increase by 48% by the end of the decade. Maybe you know some of them?

Role of Hawaii tourism in relation to Generation Z marketing.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has faced nearly universal disapproval regarding virtually all aspects of its performance. Despite these challenges, the HTA is beginning to align more closely with emerging travel behaviors and preferences, for example, those of Generation Z.

Whether by design or by chance, HTA’s recent initiatives seem to resonate well with this younger generation. Their focus on promoting authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences, supporting environmental preservation, and encouraging participation in local agriculture and conservation, seems to mirror the conscientious and immersive approach sought by young Gen Z. This alignment, perhaps serendipitously, offers an interesting perspective on how Hawaii may navigate its tourism future, ensuring that it not only meets the expectations of young travelers but also addresses the broader challenges facing the islands today.

1. Craving authentic Hawaiian experiences

Gen Z in Hawaii seeks to immerse themselves in genuine cultural experiences more than any other generation. This means moving away from typical tourist traps towards more meaningful engagements like small-group luaus with local families, overnight stays in traditional Hawaiian hale (houses), or hands-on preservation efforts with native flora and fauna. Their quest for authenticity is reshaping what it means to experience Hawaii.

Gen Z spends almost 9.5 hours daily online, including on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are frequently mentioned in Hawaii travel, and they appear to be at the very heart of Gen Z’s travel planning. Their “grammable” moments are more about showcasing hidden gems like the backroads of Maui or a less renowned hiking trail on Kauai.

This generation’s reliance on social media has the side effect of turning once obscure Hawaii gems into must-visit destinations, impacting both the environment and communities.

3. Pioneers of eco-conscious travel?

Sustainability isn’t more than a buzzword to those in Gen Z—it’s a way of traveling. They drive demand for eco-friendly Hawaii accommodations and tours that respect the islands’ delicate ecosystem. So, while the ubiquitous broadcasting of their finds may have a harmful impact on Hawaii, at the same time, they’re the ones who are choosing to support local businesses and farmers’ markets, joining beach clean-ups, and in some ways, setting new standards for responsible tourism in Hawaii.

4. Technology at their fingertips.

Gen Z visitors to the islands expect seamless tech integration into their Hawaii travel experiences. From AR tours of historic sites like Iolani Palace to VR surfing, hiking, and other experiences that they can engage with before hitting the actual locations, technology is making Hawaii accessible in very new and innovative ways. This expectation pushes local businesses to adapt swiftly to remain relevant to Gen Z.

5. The rise of flexible, spontaneous travel.

Thanks to an ethos of working and studying entirely remotely with great flexibility, Gen Z is likely to book a last-minute flight to Hawaii or head out for a spontaneous weekend on Maui. This spontaneity is a boon for businesses that, via apps and services offering last-minute deals, are becoming adept at facilitating this king of reshaping Hawaii travel.

Another prominent feature among Gen Z Hawaii travelers is going solo or with friends instead of family. In the islands, this shift aligns with accommodations like boutiques, hostels, or group-friendly rentals, as well as activities that cater to meeting new people, like hikes and other community-based events and workshops.

7. Value and experience in harmony.

While budget-conscious, Gen Z doesn’t hesitate to splurge on experiences that promise lasting memories, like helicopter tours over the Na Pali Coast or diving with manta rays. This dual approach has businesses rethinking how they package and market experiences and what value means to a younger traveler.

Through their evolving preferences and behaviors, Generation Z is not just visiting Hawaii; they are transforming it on the fly. They are compelling Hawaii to adapt to their distinct, digital-first, and eco-conscious travel ethos. Ready or not, Hawaii’s travel scene is changing, and Generation Z is surfacing at the helm of this change.

Do you see Generation Z remaking Hawaii travel for the better or worse?

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Hawaii

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2026: Faith Kealohapauole Paredes

Published

10 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2026: Faith Kealohapauole Paredes

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Faith Kealohapau‘ole Paredes of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi (Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes) was crowned Miss Aloha Hula Thursday night at the Merrie Monarch Festival, topping a field of 13 competitors in the festival’s first night of competition.

The contest features performances in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli, showcasing both technical precision and artistic interpretation.

Judges scored competitors on a range of elements, including kaʻi; interpretation and expression; posture and precision; hand gestures; foot and body movement; hoʻi; authenticity of costume and adornments; grooming; and overall performance.

The 21-year-old from Maui received 1,161 points.

“It’s surreal,” she said. “I’m just so honored and blessed to be able to show and share my lineage and share the hula from my hello with all of Hawaii and all of the world.”

Paredes also won the Hawaiian Language Award.

“Hula will forever live,” she said. “It is through us speaking out in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. It is through us (to) not be ashamed of who we are and to hula on. Dance with your heart out.”

Paredes is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and attends Dartmouth College. She won the title of Miss Keiki Hula in 2015.

The rest of the finalists were as follows:

1st runner up: Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe (1,156)

2nd runner up: Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio (1,134 points)

3rd runner up: Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy (1,115 points)

4th runner up: Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta (1,098 points)

The festival continues Friday night with group hula kahiko.

View our Merrie Monarch Festival online hub here.

Samantha Makanani Aguon Newman

Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang

Haily Kamakahukilani Nawahine Nascimento

Nā Kumu Hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera

Kēhaulani Kaleikaumakamaeʻiʻomakamae Rubonal

Kumu Hula Keolalaulani Dalire

Mālie Kapuaonaonaikamauʻuuaolalokoikealohaokalaniākea Moe

Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe

Lilia Kaleialohaokealohalani Ka’ōnohi’ula Keohokapuakeakua Iokepa-Guerrero

Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine

Jovian Kauanoeokalaulani Range-Semisi

Nā Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o

Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe

Kumu Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV

Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio

Nā Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes

Faith Lynn Kealohapauʻole Paredes

Nā Kumu Hula Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes

Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta

Kumu Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao

Hiʻileilanikauakapukapuokeānuenue Puchalski

Kumu Hula Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski

Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy

Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva

Līlianani Maya Rae Pi

Kumu Hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor

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Hawaii

Hawaii lawmakers push for continued tax relief for most families

Published

22 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Hawaii lawmakers push for continued tax relief for most families

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii State Legislature is entering the final weeks of the 2025 session with at least one point of agreement: income taxes will continue to decline for most families.

Both the House and Senate rejected the governor’s plan to cancel some tax relief, despite earlier uncertainty about the state’s financial situation.

“So what the Senate’s position is, is we want to make sure that the promises that were made are kept, especially with those families that make $350,000 a year or less,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Donovan Dela Cruz.

House Finance chair Rep. Chris Todd agreed the priority is ensuring ongoing tax relief.

Energy tax credits targeted to offset revenue loss

Continuing to reduce taxes means nearly $2 billion has to come from somewhere else. The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to eliminate state energy tax credits for things like solar power and electric cars in 2029.

The credits could be saved if the economy improves.

“So this becomes a shared approach. Government cuts, business tax credits, get sunset, and then we’re still charging some of the higher end income brackets,” Dela Cruz said. “Their tax breaks are going to get repealed.”

House proposes tax increase on high earners

The House moved along a redesigned tax package that makes tax credits for spending on child care and food more generous and raises income taxes on families with incomes over $350,000.

“It would provide some ongoing tax relief to low to middle income families, but in return, we would request a 1% tax increase on very high income families,” Todd said.

The financial picture is clearer now, even with flood disaster costs, because of the federal disaster declaration.

“Now the state’s eligible to get reimbursed for a lot of these funds. We’re not sure what it’s going to look like, but that’s going to be positive for us,” Dela Cruz said.

Todd said the state is sitting on a solid reserve, a luxury not many states have right now.

All the proposals from the House and the Senate are now going into conference committee, where the final details will be worked out over the next month.

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