Ep 2: FEAST Dialogue – The State & Future of Tourism

In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, hospitality leaders come together to explore the evolving future of tourism in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Moderated by James Tokioka, Director of the Hawai‘iDepartment of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, the panel features Kūhiō Lewis (Hawaiian Council), Aaron Salā (Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau), Elliot Mills (Hawai‘i Hospitality Group), and Peter Shaindlin (Halekulani).

Together, they discuss how the industry is shifting beyond traditional models of growth — redefining luxury through sustainability, cultural authenticity, and deeper community connection. From balancing visitor demand with local impact to creating more meaningful, place-based experiences, the conversation highlights what it takes to build a more responsible and resilient tourism model.

Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food& Wine Festival, this episode explores how hospitality leaders are rethinking the visitor experience — and how culinary, culture, and community shape the future of destination identity.