History
The Kintetsu company was founded in 1910 as part of Nara Tramway Co., Ltd. Renamed to Osaka Electric Railway, the company grew to incorporate the transportation and tourism industries.
Kinki Kotsu Company established in 1947 and Nippon Tourist Company founded in 1948 merged into Kinki Nippon Tourist, Co. Ltd. (KNT) in 1955. Today, Kinki Nippon Tourist is one of the top full-service travel agencies in the world, with over 200 branch offices worldwide.
Our history began in 1966 when Kintetsu opened an office in Hawai`i. Then in 1967, we started air freight services and later travel services to Hawai`i. We have been a pioneer and leader throughout our history in the islands. We continue to look forward to serving our customers with Aloha.
Kintetsu, a company you can trust with all your travel needs.
Our History in the Local Community
Our commitment runs deep within the local community with the Pan-Pacific Festival and the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
Matsuri in Hawai`i and the Pan-Pacific Festival
In 1980, the very first Matsuri in Hawai`i was held. The festival enriches the lives of participating artists and audiences through a rewarding and participatory exposure to traditional Japanese culture.
From 1996, Matsuri in Hawai`i became known as the Pan-Pacific Festival to broaden its capacity to include other traditions and people. The Pan-Pacific Festival strives to create a more global community through the sharing and celebration of cultures. The 2024 event will mark its 41st in Hawai`i.
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards
Since 2007, Kintetsu has been an official sponsor and proud supporter of the event. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards is modeled after the Grammy Awards which honors the achievements of excellence in the recording arts here in Hawai`i.
The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards trace their origins to 1978 and KCCN-AM Radio
HARA’s mission is to preserve, protect, promote, foster, and advance Hawai`i’s recording industry and the music of Hawai`i.
Affiliations
We are part of these great community organizations in Hawaii
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie