HONOLULU — An invisible pathway amid the crowds of visitors links 21 bronze surfboard markers that comprise the Waikiki Historic Trail.

What You Need To Know

  • HTA Interim President and CEO Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi says the ultimate goal is to enhance education about Waikiki and foster a deeper appreciation for the world-renowned destination

  • A collaboration with the Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and Art and a committee of Native Hawaiian cultural advisors will ensure the accuracy and authenticity in the newly developed content

  • Interested firms can view the full RFP document for the Waikiki Historic Trail project online

  • Proposals must be submitted to Oahu Visitors Bureau no later than 4:30 p.m. April 5

This cultural cornerstone preserves and celebrates the area's rich history, culture, and geography.

The Oahu Visitors Bureau, in support of the Hawaii Tourism Authority's commitment to destination management and visitor education, released a Request for Proposals on Friday inviting qualified creative content development firms to revitalize the iconic Waikiki Historic Trail.

Dr. George Kanahele, co-founder of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, established the trail in 1997. It has provided a connection between residents and visitors to Waikiki's wahi pana, or special place.

HTA Board Chair Mufi Hannemann sees the trail as a source of information for visitors, a chronicle of events, achievements, and legacies of figures that have made Waikiki a significant travel destination.

"The Waikiki Historic Trail is instrumental to how we honor Waikiki's heritage, both for all those local families who have fond memories going back for generations and also for those visitors who want to explore and learn why Waikiki is such a remarkable, unmatched experience worldwide," said Hannemann in a news release.

The goal of the RFP is to "refresh, streamline and enhance the trail's content to better align with the interests and sourcing of online information by today's audiences, ensuring its relevance and accessibility for years to come," according to the release. The project will also "modernize the trail experience" by incorporating interactive elements while still preserving its historical and cultural integrity.

HTA Interim President and CEO Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi says the ultimate goal is to enhance education about Waikiki and foster a deeper appreciation for the world-renowned destination.

"The Waikiki Historic Trail is undergoing an essential improvement in telling the story of Waikiki, its places and people," said Nāhoʻopiʻi. "It will be particularly engaging for individuals utilizing smartphones and tablets, as they can interact with the surfboard markers and access online information and images in a fun and exciting manner. The project also allows to share safety and responsible travel information with the public, further emphasizing respectful behavior in this culturally significant area."

Part of the HTA's Oahu Destination Management Action Plan, the Waikiki Historic Trail enriches resident and visitor experiences while also promoting lesser-known sites to relieve congestion in overused areas.

A collaboration with the Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and Art and a committee of Native Hawaiian cultural advisors will ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the newly developed content.

"We are eager to partner with creative content development firms to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to this cherished cultural asset," said Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, executive director of Oahu Visitors Bureau.

Interested firms can view the full RFP document for the Waikiki Historic Trail project online. 

Proposals must be submitted to the Oahu Visitors Bureau by 4:30 p.m. April 5.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.