Hawaii Joins Virginia, Texas, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota In Supercharging Us Tourism, Boosting American Sports And Cultural Events, Here Is A New Report

Published on August 9, 2025 |

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Hawai‘i joins Virginia, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Minnesota successful supercharging US tourism, boosting sports and taste events. This caller study highlights really these states are taking bold steps to pull much visitors from America itself, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, fortify section economies, and showcase their unsocial identities. From world-class festivals successful Hawai‘i to awesome sports tournaments successful Texas and Florida, nan momentum is clear.

Virginia is utilizing a caller sports tourism assistance programme to big nationalist tournaments. Texas is leveraging arena spot costs for marquee competitions. Florida is enhancing its sports instauration and arena bidding power. Maryland is backing some younker sports and awesome championships. Minnesota is empowering Tribal Nations to create taste tourism that reflects their heritage.

By combining section authenticity pinch world appeal, they are positioning themselves arsenic leaders successful nan adjacent activity of US tourism strategy. This caller study reveals nan extent of these investments, nan assortment of events planned, and nan shared imagination that unites these divers destinations successful a communal goal—to supercharge tourism and boost sports and taste events for years to come.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is investing $1.9 cardinal to support 21 awesome festivals and sports events crossed nan islands. The extremity is to observe culture, prosecute communities, and pull visitors from astir nan world. This backing will powerfulness events that showcase Hawai‘i’s heritage, arts, and sporting excellence while boosting nan state’s economy.

Major Funding to Elevate Hawai‘i’s Cultural and Sports Calendar

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has committed $1.9 cardinal done its Signature Events programme. This backing will tally from July 2025 to June 2026. It will screen events that item Hawai‘i’s culture, history, food, agriculture, sports, and unpaid tourism. HTA Interim President and CEO Caroline Anderson says these events put Hawai‘i successful nan world spotlight. They tie visitors while creating shared experiences for residents and tourists. The programme is managed successful business pinch Kilohana, a section of nan Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, ensuring projects support organization values and marque integrity.

Cultural Festivals That Celebrate Hawai‘i’s Identity

The Aloha Festivals, now successful their 79th year, are a highlight. They characteristic nan Royal Court Investiture, nan Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, and a Floral Parade. Over 100,000 group be annually. Another awesome arena is nan 80th Anniversary of nan End of WWII, which honours 7 surviving veterans who witnessed nan surrender aboard nan USS Missouri. The Merrie Monarch Festival, nan world’s premier hula celebration, will beryllium broadcast globally from Hilo successful April 2026. Other taste events see nan Pan-Pacific Festival, nan Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest, nan Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival, and nan Hawai‘i International Film Festival, each drafting ample section and world audiences.

Honouring Heritage Through Annual Celebrations

The 30th Honolulu Festival celebrates Pacific Rim diverseness done art, music, and dance. The 2026 King Kamehameha Celebrations honour Hawai‘i’s first monarch pinch lei draping ceremonies and parades. The Mele Hula Festival uniquely blends opus and creation traditions, pinch free performances and acquisition workshops. The Prince Lot Hula Festival, Hawai‘i’s largest noncompetitive hula showcase, continues its ngo of taste preservation pinch performances, chants, and a section vendor market. These events induce visitors to acquisition authentic Hawaiian traditions while connecting pinch nan community.

Showcasing Hawai‘i connected nan Global Sports Stage

HTA’s finance besides strengthens sports tourism. The Hawai‘i Bowl guarantees nan University of Hawai‘i a location berth erstwhile eligible, reaching millions via ESPN. The Honolulu Marathon attracts runners from astir nan globe to a scenic 26.2-mile people ending astatine Kapi‘olani Park. The Hoops successful Hawai‘i Classic blends collegiate hoops pinch taste exchange, while nan IRONMAN World Championship successful Kailua-Kona draws elite athletes and thousands of volunteers. Each of these events promotes responsible tourism and inspires participants to prosecute pinch section culture.

Sports Events That Drive Economic Recovery

The Maui Marathon, nan state’s longest-running, returns to West Maui successful April 2025. It supports wildfire betterment and is expected to make complete $10 million. The Moloka‘i 2 O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships and nan Moloka‘i Hoe canoe title showcase endurance and Hawaiian seafaring traditions. The Na Wahine O Ke Kai celebrates women successful canoe racing. The Southwest Maui Invitational brings apical U.S. assemblage hoops teams to Lahaina, while nan TransPacific Volleyball Championships merge complete 360 teams and 25,000 attendees, combining elite title pinch Hawaiian culture.

Balancing Tourism Growth pinch Cultural Integrity

HTA’s Signature Events programme focuses connected stewardship arsenic overmuch arsenic growth. The action process favours events that protect Hawai‘i’s competitory world marque while ensuring section communities benefit. This intends backing is tied not only to visitant numbers but besides to taste authenticity, biology responsibility, and organization engagement. The attack reflects Hawai‘i’s broader tourism strategy—prioritising value complete amount and semipermanent sustainability complete short-term gains.

How US States Are Using Tourism to Drive Growth

In 2025, galore US states are expanding their investments successful sports tourism and taste tourism. These sectors bring visitors from different states and countries. They create jobs, support section businesses, and support practice alive. Sports events capable stadiums and hotels. Cultural festivals bring music, art, and traditions to life. Together, they make tourism richer and much diverse.

This year, states are offering caller grants, arena funds, and trading support. They are backing some large competitions and section festivals. The purpose is to turn visitant numbers while protecting organization personality and values. Below is simply a state-by-state look astatine these investments and really they are shaping tourism successful 2025.

Hawaii – Signature Events and Cultural Leadership

Hawai‘i is investing $1.9 cardinal successful its Signature Events programme for 2025–2026. The backing supports 21 awesome festivals and sports events. These scope from nan Merrie Monarch hula show to nan Honolulu Marathon. The programme is tally by nan Hawai‘i Tourism Authority successful business pinch Kilohana, a section of nan Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Hawai‘i is besides backing taste programmes nether its Ho‘okipa Malihini initiative. These attraction connected protecting Hawaiian traditions and making them portion of nan visitant experience. The strategy links taste pridefulness pinch world appeal. It besides gives communities a nonstop domiciled successful tourism readying and benefits.

Virginia – New Sports Tourism Grant Programme

Virginia has launched a statewide Sports Tourism Grant Programme successful 2025. It is tally by nan Virginia Tourism Authority. The grants thief localities and arena organisers pull sports competitions and tournaments. The attraction is connected events that bring visitors from extracurricular Virginia.

This programme gives mini and mid-sized cities a amended chance to big location and nationalist championships. It besides supports nan state’s extremity to turn its sports system while spreading tourism benefits beyond its largest municipality areas.

Texas – Event Trust Funds and Venue Investments

Texas continues to usage its Event Trust Funds to bring successful awesome sporting and taste events. These see nan Major Events Reimbursement Programme and nan Motor Sports Racing Trust Fund. They thief screen nationalist costs linked to hosting high-profile competitions, from information to transport.

Local governments are besides exploring edifice occupancy taxation backing for venue projects. This visitor-paid taxation is utilized to upgrade aliases build facilities. Cities for illustration Beaumont are considering caller normal centres. Bexar County is discussing a imaginable caller arena for nan San Antonio Spurs. These moves show Texas’ committedness to combining arena attraction pinch infrastructure growth.

Florida – Sports Foundation Grants and Event Bidding

Florida is utilizing nan Florida Sports Foundation to pull much sports tourism. The Foundation offers grants to thief cities bid for and big events. It besides runs nan yearly Sports Summit, wherever authorities holders meet destinations.

This attack supports year-round sports tourism. Events scope from younker tournaments to master competitions. Each 1 brings visitors who walk connected hotels, food, and entertainment.

Maryland – Major Events Fund and Youth Sports Support

Maryland’s Major Events Fund and Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Programme are some progressive successful 2025. They supply financial thief to onshore and turn events that tie visitors to nan state. The Youth & Amateur Sports grants attraction connected building information and supporting organization sports culture.

By backing some large-scale and grassroots events, Maryland is making judge sports tourism benefits are wide shared. It besides helps create a talent pipeline by linking young athletes to bigger competitions successful their location state.

Minnesota – Tribal Nations Tourism Grant Programme

Minnesota is investing successful taste tourism done its Tribal Nations Tourism Grant Programme. This supports projects by nan state’s 11 federally recognised Tribal Nations. Grants tin money practice sites, taste centres, arts events, agritourism, and outdoor recreation.

The programme is built connected sustainability and self-representation. It gives Tribal Nations nan resources to show their ain stories and create tourism experiences that bespeak their values. Visitors use from authentic taste encounters, and communities support power complete really their civilization is shared.

Washington State – Arts and Culture Tourism Grants

Washington State Tourism is offering Arts & Culture Grants successful 2025. These support museums, historical sites, taste districts, and imaginative industries. Projects funded must link civilization pinch tourism and show a clear visitant impact.

This assistance strategy helps guarantee that taste attractions enactment vibrant and competitive. It besides encourages partnerships betwixt arts organisations and tourism operators. The extremity is to merge arts into nan broader visitant economy.

New York – Major Cultural Funding for Tourism

The New York State Council connected nan Arts (NYSCA) is investing heavy successful civilization successful 2025. It is distributing $162 cardinal this year, pinch $82 cardinal for programmes and $80 cardinal for superior projects. In 2026, it will make $81.5 cardinal available.

Much of this backing will fortify taste venues, festivals, and imaginative districts that are besides cardinal tourism assets. New York is besides preparing for America’s 250th day successful 2026. This practice milestone is expected to tie practice travellers from crossed nan world.

Pennsylvania – Marketing Grants and America250 Focus

Pennsylvania has launched nan Marketing to Attract Tourists programme and nan Great American Getaway grants. These support cultural, culinary, outdoor, and municipality tourism products. The Governor’s 2025–26 fund besides proposes $65 cardinal for America250 events.

Counties are moving their ain assistance rounds utilizing edifice occupancy taxes. This ensures that moreover section events and attractions get backing to amended accommodation and marketing. Pennsylvania’s attack combines state-level promotion pinch local-level investment.

Massachusetts – Cultural Facilities and Heritage Grants

Massachusetts is utilizing nan Mass Cultural Council to money taste accommodation and districts. It is besides preparing typical grants for America250 events. These will support museums, capacity spaces, and practice sites crossed nan state.

By upgrading taste infrastructure and promoting historical anniversaries, Massachusetts intends to fortify its position arsenic a taste tourism leader. Visitors tin expect enhanced experiences and improved entree to historical and creator treasures.

Ohio – Sports Events Grants and a New Sports Commission

Ohio continues to tally its Sports Events Grant Programme successful 2025. Lawmakers are besides moving to found an Ohio Sports Commission. The purpose is to coordinate sports tourism improvement and grow backing opportunities.

Ohio’s grants tin beryllium utilized to pull everything from younker championships to awesome convention competitions. This elasticity helps nan authorities compete for events that capable hotels and restaurants year-round.

South Carolina – Heritage Tourism and “Undiscovered SC”

South Carolina is utilizing its “Undiscovered SC” grants to amended publically owned attractions. It besides costs practice tourism, pinch a attraction connected sites linked to nan American Revolution. Gullah Geechee practice and African American history are being promoted arsenic portion of nan state’s taste identity.

These investments are designed to tie visitors seeking meaningful humanities and taste experiences. They besides fortify nan storytelling powerfulness of section communities.

Colorado – Marketing and Cultural Content

Colorado is investing successful tourism trading pinch a attraction connected world markets. While not offering a caller assistance information successful 2025, nan authorities continues to create taste and practice tourism content. This keeps Colorado’s taste attractions visible alongside its well-known outdoor escapade offerings.

Regional Programmes – The Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) costs multi-state arts, culture, and practice projects successful nan Appalachian region. In 2025, its guidance continues to prioritise tourism arsenic an economical driver. This supports mini towns and agrarian areas that whitethorn not person state-level resources but tin partner connected location initiatives.

Why This Matters for Tourism and Communities

State finance successful sports and taste tourism has a nonstop effect connected section economies. Events bring visitors who walk money connected hotels, dining, shopping, and transport. Cultural attractions connection year-round visitant experiences, keeping tourism dependable beyond highest seasons.

These investments besides build organization pridefulness and sphere heritage. They promote collaboration betwixt governments, businesses, and taste groups. By combining sports and culture, states entreaty to a wider assemblage and create reasons for visitors to return.

In 2025, US states are not conscionable promoting their attractions—they are shaping tourism for nan future. They are backing events, upgrading venues, and protecting taste heritage. They are besides utilizing tourism arsenic a instrumentality for economical resilience and organization development.

The consequence is simply a tourism scenery wherever visitors tin bask some nan excitement of awesome sports competitions and nan extent of taste experiences. It is simply a exemplary that tin thief nan US compete globally while keeping its section characteristic strong.

Hawai‘i: A Timeless Pacific Escape of Culture, Nature, and Luxury

By July 2025, Hawai‘i’s tourism assemblage continues to guidelines arsenic a cornerstone of nan state’s economy, blending its unsocial taste personality pinch a world visitant base. Visitor arrivals stay dependable astatine astir 9.6 cardinal annually, according to authorities tourism figures, pinch 4.7 cardinal arrivals recorded successful nan first 7 months of 2025. The United States mainland remains nan largest market, followed by Japan, Canada, Australia, and Korea.

Visitors spent astir $14.8 cardinal from January to July 2025, pinch per-person regular spending averaging $230. The edifice manufacture has maintained 1 of nan highest occupancy rates successful nan United States, hovering adjacent 82%, driven by a balanced operation of leisure travellers, luxury-seeking couples, and business normal delegates. Flagship properties specified arsenic nan Halekulani, Four Seasons Hualālai, and The Royal Hawaiian proceed to bid premium rates, while mid-tier hotels and boutique resorts cater to value-conscious visitors.

Cruise tourism, rebounding from earlier declines, has recorded complete 300,000 rider arrivals truthful acold successful 2025. Honolulu, Lahaina (Maui), Nāwiliwili (Kaua‘i), and Hilo (Hawai‘i Island) stay awesome ports of call. Cruises are progressively marketed arsenic a gateway to inter-island exploration, often paired pinch pre- aliases post-cruise edifice stays.

Government-backed programmes, including nan Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Signature Events funding, are driving taste and sports tourism growth, ensuring nan manufacture remains competitory while promoting practice preservation. These strategies position Hawai‘i arsenic some a world luxury destination and a taste hub pinch heavy organization engagement.

Destination Overview

Hawai‘i, an archipelago of 8 main islands, lies successful nan cardinal Pacific Ocean, astir 2,400 miles from California. Each land has its ain identity—O‘ahu blends municipality power pinch legendary beaches, Maui offers a operation of luxury resorts and earthy beauty, Hawai‘i Island showcases volcanic landscapes, and Kaua‘i is known for its melodramatic cliffs and lush valleys.

Beyond nan postcard-perfect scenery, Hawai‘i is simply a surviving taste landscape, shaped by Native Hawaiian traditions, plantation-era migrations, and world influences. Tourism is its largest industry, but it is balanced by efforts to protect earthy resources and support section communities.

With year-round lukewarm weather, Hawai‘i is simply a existent all-season destination. English and Hawaiian are nan charismatic languages, though Hawaiian phrases and spot names are wide used. The Aloha Spirit is not conscionable a greeting—it’s a taste worth reflecting warmth, respect, and harmony.

Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Pearl Harbor National Memorial connected O‘ahu remains 1 of nan astir visited sites, offering poignant penetration into World War II history. Nearby, nan Battleship Missouri Memorial and nan Pacific Aviation Museum grow nan story.

Natural wonders see Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park connected Hawai‘i Island, location to progressive Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. On Maui, sunrise atop Haleakalā is simply a bucket-list experience—reservations are essential. Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast offers hiking, kayaking, aliases scenic flights, while Waimea Canyon is known arsenic nan “Grand Canyon of nan Pacific.”

For hidden gems, research nan lesser-known beaches of Moloka‘i, nan practice municipality of Lāhainā (now successful betterment and renewal), and nan taste richness of Lāna‘i, from its secluded beaches to nan Keahiakawelo “Garden of nan Gods.”

Activities and Experiences

Adventure seekers tin hike nan Kalalau Trail connected Kaua‘i, snorkel successful Molokini Crater disconnected Maui, aliases return a manta ray nighttime dive successful Kona. Surf lessons successful Waikīkī supply a beginner-friendly sensation of Hawai‘i’s astir celebrated sport.

Culture lovers should sojourn nan Bishop Museum, ʻIolani Palace, and nan Polynesian Cultural Center for immersive learning. Festivals for illustration nan Merrie Monarch (hula) and Aloha Festivals bring traditions to life.

Foodies will bask workplace tours connected nan Big Island, java tastings successful Kona, and seafood markets connected O‘ahu. Shopping ranges from luxury brands successful Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center to artisan markets successful Hilo. Nightlife spans Waikīkī’s rooftop bars, Maui’s unrecorded euphony lounges, and O‘ahu’s Chinatown arts scene.

Accommodation Types and Tips

Hawai‘i’s accommodation scenery covers ultra-luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, boutique stays, and picnic rentals. Waikīkī hosts a attraction of ample hotels for illustration nan Halekulani and Moana Surfrider. Maui’s Wailea area is location to high-end properties specified arsenic Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea.

For a quieter stay, Kaua‘i offers boutique resorts on nan North Shore, while Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala Coast has sprawling resorts pinch play courses and formation access. Vacation rentals are common, but travellers should cheque for legal, licensed properties to debar last-minute cancellations. Booking early for highest seasons (December–March, June–August) is essential, particularly for oceanfront rooms.

Local Food and Must-Try Dishes

Hawai‘i’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage. Must-try dishes see flick (seasoned earthy fish), loco moco (rice, burger patty, gravy, egg), and sheet luncheon (rice, macaroni salad, protein). Fresh seafood, from ahi tuna to opakapaka, is simply a highlight.

Local treats see malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), shave ice, and haupia (coconut pudding). For a existent Hawaiian feast, be a lūʻau, wherever you tin effort kālua pig cooked successful an imu (underground oven) and bask hula performances.

Farm-to-table eating thrives, pinch chefs showcasing section nutrient for illustration saccharine Maui onions, Kona coffee, and tropical fruits. Farmers’ markets, specified arsenic Hilo’s connected nan Big Island, are cleanable for sampling location flavours.

Transportation and How to Get Around

Most visitors get via Honolulu International Airport (HNL) connected O‘ahu, pinch inter-island flights connecting to Kahului (Maui), Kona and Hilo (Hawai‘i Island), and Līhu‘e (Kaua‘i). Inter-island recreation is dominated by Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines.

Car rentals are nan astir applicable measurement to research each island, particularly for reaching beaches, hiking trails, and agrarian areas. On O‘ahu, TheBus offers extended routes, while Waikīkī has trolley services for tourists. Ride-shares and taxis are disposable but costlier for agelong distances.

Cruise ships connection different measurement to acquisition aggregate islands without aggregate edifice stays, docking astatine awesome ports. Helicopter tours are celebrated for seeing different inaccessible landscapes.

Costs, Budgeting, and Money Tips

Hawai‘i is known for precocious recreation costs, driven by its distant location. Hotel rates successful Waikīkī mean $300–$400 per nighttime for mid-range, and $800+ for luxury. Dining retired tin scope from $15 for a casual sheet luncheon to $100+ per personification astatine good eating restaurants.

To save, see travelling successful enarthrosis seasons (April–May, September–October). Book flights and accommodations good successful advance, and usage supermarket delis aliases farmers’ markets for affordable meals. Public beaches are free, but immoderate parks require introduction fees aliases reservations.

Credit cards are wide accepted, and ATMs are common, though agrarian areas whitethorn person less banking services.

Visa Requirements and Travel Restrictions

US citizens do not request a passport to sojourn Hawai‘i. International visitors must meet US introduction requirements, which typically impact a valid passport and, if applicable, a visa aliases ESTA for visa waiver programme countries.

As of mid-2025, location are nary COVID-19 testing aliases quarantine requirements, but visitors should cheque charismatic authorities and national websites for updates earlier travelling. Some earthy sites and taste areas whitethorn person capacity limits aliases preservation systems to negociate crowds.

Practical Travel Info

Hawai‘i is mostly safe for travellers, but petty theft tin occur—avoid leaving valuables successful cars aliases unattended connected beaches.

English is nan superior language, pinch Hawaiian utilized successful taste contexts and spot names. Internet connectivity is bully successful municipality and edifice areas, but agrarian zones whitethorn person slower speeds.

Local customs emphasise respect for quality and culture—observe kapu (prohibited) signs, debar trespassing connected backstage land, and study basal Hawaiian words for illustration “mahalo” (thank you) and “aloha” (hello/love). Tipping follows US norms: 15–20% successful restaurants, $1–$2 per container for porters, and per-day rates for housekeeping.

Itineraries and Travel Tips

For a one-week trip, commencement pinch 3 days successful O‘ahu to research Pearl Harbor, Waikīkī Beach, and nan North Shore. Fly to Maui for 2 days to spot Haleakalā and snorkel astatine Molokini. End pinch 2 days connected Hawai‘i Island to sojourn Volcanoes National Park and bask Kona java country.

For a culture-focused itinerary, scheme astir awesome festivals specified arsenic nan Merrie Monarch successful April aliases nan Aloha Festivals successful September.

Travel tips: Reserve cardinal experiences for illustration sunrise astatine Haleakalā aliases Nā Pali Coast vessel tours months ahead. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, enactment hydrated, and respect water conditions—Hawai‘i’s waters tin beryllium unpredictable.

Impact connected Hawai‘i’s Tourism and Economy

Cultural and sports events are awesome economical drivers for Hawai‘i. They pull visitors who enactment longer, walk more, and often return. The mixed tie of these 21 events will make millions successful revenue, support section businesses, and create seasonal jobs. Beyond nan economical impact, these events fortify Hawai‘i’s personality arsenic a spot wherever culture, sport, and earthy beauty intersect. They springiness visitors meaningful experiences and time off lasting impressions that promote repetition visits.

A Model for Other Destinations

Hawai‘i’s strategy offers lessons for different destinations seeking to equilibrium tourism promotion pinch taste respect. By investing successful signature events, nan authorities ensures its tourism marque is not conscionable astir beaches and resorts but astir people, heritage, and authentic experiences. This integrated attack helps support Hawai‘i’s position arsenic a world-class destination while protecting what makes it unique.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With backing secured, nan 2025–2026 events almanac promises to beryllium 1 of Hawai‘i’s astir vibrant. From nan high-energy Honolulu Marathon to nan graceful hula astatine Merrie Monarch, visitors will person opportunities to prosecute pinch Hawai‘i’s tone astatine each turn. The continued support from HTA signals a committedness to some taste preservation and economical vitality, ensuring that Hawai‘i’s tourism early remains arsenic beardown and divers arsenic its heritage.