SCP Hilo Hotel is excited to announce its Elite Status certification from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Qurator program, the highest possible ranking, acknowledging the company’s commitment to responsible tourism. Qurator, the State of Hawai‘i’s official mark of excellence for Hawai‘i-based and operating businesses, serves to guide visitors to Hawai‘i products and experiences that incorporate responsible tourism practices while adding value and recognizing those businesses for their positive contributions to the environment, community, and economy.
“Qurator isn’t just a stamp of approval,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair. “It speaks to a set of brand values for the Hawaiian Islands, that we care deeply about our land, our people, our culture, and our guests. It’s a recognition of the interdependent relationship between businesses, visitors, and our broader local community.”
To achieve Qurator certification, businesses are evaluated based on the program’s six categories of criteria: Environment, Cultural Support, Equity, Safety, Community, and Guest Experience.
“We are incredibly proud to have earned the Qurator certification, which is a reflection of our deep commitment to preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of Hawai‘i,” said Breeani Kobayashi, General Manager of SCP Hilo Hotel. “At SCP Hilo, we strive to offer an authentic experience for our guests while supporting the local community. This certification not only validates our efforts but also motivates us to continue leading by example in the hospitality industry. We are excited to welcome travelers who value sustainability and cultural authenticity as much as we do, and we believe this recognition will help us attract more visitors and investors who share our vision for a responsible future for our island home.”
As one of few hotels in Hawai’i to receive the Qurator certification, SCP Hilo is uniquely positioned to attract travelers from the mainland U.S., Canada, and other Hawaiian islands who seek meaningful, responsible travel experiences. The certification is a testament to SCP Hilo’s commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural support, and community engagement—key factors that resonate strongly with today’s conscious travelers.
As interest in responsible tourism continues to grow, the certification serves as a critical benchmark for businesses that meet the rigorous cultural, environmental, and community standards set by the HTA. SCP Hilo’s commitment to these values attracts both leisure travelers and corporate clients who are looking to support businesses that contribute positively to Hawai‘i’s economy and cultural preservation.
SCP Hilo serves as a vibrant hub of community engagement, fostering connections among guests and locals alike. Through collaborative events, cultural exchanges, and shared spaces designed for interaction, the hotel cultivates a sense of belonging that resonates with travelers seeking meaningful connections and authentic experiences. The hotel’s regenerative travel efforts are also evident in the hotel’s Every Stay Does Good program, where each stay at the hotel helps to restore makai (the seaside) by removing 2.2 pounds of trash from local beaches in Hawaii through the Hawaii Wildlife Fund. In addition to their Every Stay Does Good initiative, SCP Hilo was also the first property in Hawaii to achieve Silver Benchmarked recognition by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism.
SCP Hilo was also recently honored in Sunset Travel Awards Where to Stay: Nature Lover’s Lodging category, highlighting the hotel’s exceptional service, commitment to sustainability, and celebration of local culture.
“Qurator exemplifies HTA’s commitment to championing businesses and organizations that enrich our community as a whole,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Many travelers want to make responsible choices, and with Qurator, visitors can easily identify businesses that align with their values and contribute to a more sustainable, regenerative Hawai‘i.”
Qurator was designed as a community-first program, seeking input from more than 100 outside groups before the criteria were written. This broad base encompassed more topics than any other program of its kind. A 24-member advisory committee of representatives from the visitor industry, business associations, government, and non-profits also provided guidance to the development of Qurator.
