Mitchell Imanaka, ARDA-Hawaii Chairman; Kehaulani De Rego Kawai, Lawrence and Hokulani DeRego Foundation; Donalyn Dela Cruz, ARDA-Hawaii Executive Committee; and Leinani De Rego Lauaki, Lawrence and Hokulani DeRego Foundation.
(IN SHORT) ARDA-Hawaii has donated $4,000 to The Lawrence & Hokulani DeRego Foundation to support instruction in hula, the Hawaiian language, crafts, and other cultural traditions. This contribution backs the foundation’s long-running Hula ʻOni E festival—now in its 31st year—taking place August 29–31, 2025, with performances by hālau from Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Japan. A free craft fair featuring more than 75 local vendors will run alongside the competitions. As the local chapter of the national vacation ownership trade group, ARDA-Hawaii represents timeshare properties that account for 15 percent of Hawaii’s hotel inventory and thousands of jobs, and it actively supports community initiatives through financial gifts and volunteerism.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONOLULU, 2025-Jul-31 — /Travel PR News/ — ARDA-Hawaii, the state’s premier timeshare trade association, has contributed $4,000 to The Lawrence & Hokulani DeRego Foundation to bolster the teaching and practice of hula, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language), traditional crafts, and other cultural arts within an inclusive learning community.
“For nearly forty years, Aunty Hokulani and Uncle Larry have championed Hawaiian heritage by instilling pride and preserving our time-honored traditions,” said Mitchell Imanaka, Chairman of ARDA-Hawaii and managing principal at Imanaka Asato LLLC. “We’re honored to assist their vital work, ensuring these cultural treasures endure for future generations.”
The DeRego Foundation will showcase its mission during Hula ʻOni E, a three-day festival now celebrating its 31st anniversary from August 29–31, 2025. Competitions and performances will feature hālau from across the islands—Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island—and special guests from Japan. Alongside the hula events, a free craft fair with over 75 local artisans will spotlight handmade Hawaiian products. While admission is required for the dance contests, the vendor fair welcomes all visitors at no charge.
ARDA-Hawaii serves as the regional chapter of the national vacation ownership association, representing resorts that supply 15 percent of Hawaii’s visitor accommodations and support thousands of jobs. Through donations, volunteer efforts, and community events, ARDA-Hawaii remains committed to enriching the islands where its members operate. Learn more at www.ARDA.org.
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SOURCE: American Resort Development Association
