Whatever
Happened To...
An update on past news
Grants bring back Waikiki
guided walking tourQuestion: What ever happened to the free guided walking tour of Waikiki?
Answer: A free guided walking tour through part of Waikiki has resumed after a nonprofit organization shut it down last year due to a lack of funds.
The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association brought back the tour that tells Waikiki's history after several organizations provided money.
"We're really grateful to have these partners in actualizing our vision because our vision is to tell more people about the host culture," said program director Dorien McClellan.
The association received $20,000 in grants from Kamehameha Schools and $19,000 from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Mayor's Office of Economic Development. The grants will help the tour continue through the end of the year.
Tours resumed a couple of weeks ago.
Members of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association will discuss ways to receive additional funding.
"We plan to reapply with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and talk to officials at Kamehameha Schools," said McClellan.
On the tour, historians share stories of Waikiki's history, including the legend of four large sacred stones situated next to the Waikiki Police Station and of waterman Duke Kahanamoku.
The association will celebrate the tour's grand opening May 27.
The guided walking tour is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
Those interested in participating in the tour can meet at 9 a.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center's fountain courtyard.
For more information, call the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association at 737-6442.
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