ISLAND OF HAWAII JAPANESE HULA FESTIVAL AND MARKETPLACE PLANNING PROJECT

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