Hawai'i Tourism Authority Announces Key Leadership Changes

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:50 AM ET, Wed April 2, 2025

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority's leadership is restructuring following the announcement that Interim President & CEO Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi will be stepping down from his role, as will the Board Chair.

Nāhoʻopiʻi will be succeeded as Interim President & CEO by Interim Chief Administrative Officer Caroline Anderson until the HTA elects a new leader. He served 18 months in his current role but is leaving to lead research at JLL's Global Tourism & Destination Advisory Group.

"Leading HTA through a critical period of supporting Maui's recovery as Hawaiʻi's visitor industry continued its post-pandemic recovery was an honor, and I have every confidence in this team's continued dedication to the people of the Hawaiian Islands," Nāhoʻopiʻi said.

Andersen has over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, economic development and destination marketing.

A permanent leader will be elected following the end of the current legislation session in May.

Travel Weekly also reported that HTA Board Chair Mufi Hannemann announced his resignation a week later following a state audit that found two of the organizations he led, including the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, received free services at the Hawaii Convention Center during his time as HTA chair.

Board member Todd Apo will succeed him as Board Chair.

The HTA noted that the changes come as it continues "its efforts to advance a regenerative model of tourism by balancing tourism's economic benefits with the well-being of Hawai'i's communities, culture, and environment. The organization remains focused on its strategic priorities, including natural resource preservation, Hawaiian culture perpetuation, community enrichment, and brand marketing."