2025 Report

HTW 2025 brought together our vibrant tech community for a week of meaningful connections, education, and inspiration that will drive tech forward. From intimate workshops to industry-specific summits, events were designed to foster genuine relationships between local and global tech leaders.

The week showcased Hawaii's unique position in the world, featuring cutting-edge discussions on AI, sustainability, space technology, and the future of work. Attendees and event hosts gained expanded networks, new audiences and fresh perspectives on how technology is creating impact in Hawaii and across the world.

We bring together top speakers and rising talent in the world of tech, from our leading startup founders to investors and executives across industries.

Our speaker lineup represents the intersection of Hawaii and global tech leadership, creating unique perspectives and insights.

Key announcements during the week ranged from Onebrief's new AI-product to Trung Lam, new CEO & Executive Director of the Hawaii Technology Development Corp (HTDC) releasing their strategic roadmap.

The week went beyond talks, providing ample space for not only thought leadership, but deep networking opportunities and hands-on learning.

Leading entrepreneurs, AI engineers, builders, and investors shared their insights, experiences, and technologies through interactive workshops and deep-dive sessions.

From prototype builds to technical demos, attendees didn't just learn about innovation—they participated in creating it.

HTW isn't just about business—it's about leveling up ourselves as people and professionals that in turn lift the ecosystem.

From intimate moments of sharing knowledge, to taking the needed time to relax, recharge, workout and build resiliency, the week was an overall experience with something for everyone.

With GenAI being the fastest adopted technology in history, we focused the hackathon on vibe coding. Both teams and solo-coders were given challenges to build solutions for in four hours.

Globally renowned vibe-coders and experienced professionals shipped code alongside university and high school students. The pressure was on as they produced results. The "Vibe Coding" approach emphasized rapid prototyping and intuitive development, bringing together diverse skill sets and tech stacks including tools from Anthropic, Replit, Cursor, Google, OpenAI, Lovable, and more.

HTW goes beyond the standard tech conference or week—it's a movement that celebrates the intersection of technology and community.

From community builders to cultural leaders, diverse voices came together across Hawaii's unique tech ecosystem.

This convergence creates something truly special—a tech community that's deeply rooted in place.

The future of Hawaii depends on investing in its next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and builders.

Through education, opportunity, and investment in young talent, pathways were built for students and emerging professionals to thrive in tech. Institutions including the University of Hawaii, La Pietra, and Iolani held events, with organizations like Purple Maia and HWIT driving deep educational programming. In partnership with Paubox's Kahikina Scholarship program, the week highlighted the next generation of leaders pursuing careers in STEM.

As the media and content lanscape shifts from corporate to creator driven, HTW embraces the creator economy and the power of authentic storytelling in tech.

Content creators, influencers, and digital storytellers play a key role in documenting and sharing Hawaii's tech ecosystem with the world. Through our Creator Pass program, we celebrate those who bridge technology and creativity.

We ended the week in fashion to a "Hawaii Vice" dress theme while networking and deepening connection with those we met from the week.

Following the networking mixer, we turned the volume up and danced the night away through two DJ sets, celebrating a week of innovation, connection, and community. The afterparty wasn't just a celebration—it was the perfect culmination of HTW's unique blend of business and Hawaii style.