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HŌʻIHI FY2026 Grant Application Information

The Office of Native Hawaiian Relations’ (ONHR) Heritage (Tourism) Opportunities in Hawaiʻi (HŌʻIHI) Grant Program aims to implement the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act), 25 U.S.C. 4351 et seq., grounded in the Hawaiian value of hōʻihi – to treat with reverence and respect.  Through this ethic, visitors are welcomed not merely as tourists, but as guests who share in the kuleana (responsibility) to care for Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources. In advancing this model of culturally grounded tourism, HŌʻIHI seeks to strengthen Native Hawaiian organizations’ capacity to steward and share traditional knowledge in ways that create jobs, elevate living standards, and expand economic opportunity.

Loʻi at Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi

Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi in Heʻeia, Oʻahu received a HŌʻIHI award in FY2023 to enhance kalo farmer coordination across the paeʻāina and to assist in exposing community and visitors alike to traditional farming practices. PC: Sean Marrs

Fiscal Year 2026 Priorities

For fiscal year 2026, ONHR will fulfill the core principles of the HOIHI Program by providing grant funding to successful NHO applicants who meet the criteria for one or more of the following priorities:

  • Enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of the NHC by developing business opportunities in the visitor industry, providing business development training, or stimulating economic activity;
  • Uplift, perpetuate, and in some cases revive, traditional Hawaiian practices (e.g., olelo Hawaii, kapa making, lauhala and kaula weaving, hula, amongst many others, including lesser-known practices) by creating opportunities for demonstrations, visitor education on history, usage, and protocols, or hands-on visitor participation experiences in the cultural practice;
  • Undertake related activities with visitors that convey respect and reaffirm the principle of reciprocation to the place, resources, and traditional knowledge holders and practitioners; AND/OR
  • Support the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of Hawaii’s natural resources, wahi kupuna (ancestral places), and wahi pana (sacred sites) at areas impacted by tourism while enhancing visitor services to promote respect and reciprocity.

In accordance with Administration Priorities, applicants must also demonstrate projects support the implementation or intent of one or more of the following:

The FY2026 Hōʻihi Grant Application is now OPEN through June 8, 2026.  Apply here at grants.gov.

Grant Award Amounts

Grant awards will range from $75,000 to $200,000 and can be utilized for up to 3 years from the date of award.

Application Eligibility

  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Additionally, applicants must meet the definition of and criteria for a “Native Hawaiian Organization” as defined in the NATIVE Act, 130 STAT. 847, Section 3(3), codified at 25 U.S.C. §4352(3). Criteria include:
    • A nonprofit organization;
    • that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians;
    • in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and
    • that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism.

SAM.gov Registration

All applicants will be required to have an active registration with SAM.gov.  The registration process can take several weeks to months to finalize. If your organization does not already have an active registration, begin the registration process as soon as possible.  Visit the Notice of Funding or SAM.gov for more information.

*Registration is free.  Please be aware of scam websites requiring registration payment.

Video Conference

ONHR will host a video conference on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. HST to provide an overview of the program and guidance for interested applicants.  Registration link to be posted soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us through hawaiian@ios.doi.gov if you have any questions.

Back to HŌʻIHI Program

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