Aloha from the 9th Island: Why Las Vegas is Becoming the Heartbeat of Hawaiian Culture in 2026

Aloha kākou!

If you’ve ever stepped into the California Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas and smelled the familiar aroma of saimin and oxtail soup, felt the warmth of island-style hospitality, or heard the soft strum of a ukulele amid the neon lights, then you’ve already experienced a piece of the 9th Island.

This isn’t just a nickname – it’s a living reality. Las Vegas is home to one of the largest Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities outside of Hawaiʻi, and the connection runs deep. It all began in 1975 when legendary casino executive Sam Boyd opened the California Hotel with a bold vision: make Hawaiʻi feel at home in the desert.

Boyd, who had spent time living in the islands, understood the aloha spirit. He marketed directly to Hawaiian travelers with affordable packages, local food, and staff who greeted guests with genuine warmth. His famous line? “I’d rather have one busload of Hawaiians than ten busloads of anybody else.” That single decision sparked a migration wave that turned Las Vegas into Hawaii’s unofficial second home.

Today, the 9th Island is thriving. From plate lunch cafés and hula studios to vibrant festivals and community events, the spirit of the islands pulses through Southern Nevada. And now, the 9th Island Chamber of Commerce & Foundation is here to take that energy to the next level.

We are Nevada’s first chamber dedicated to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, underserved businesses, and youth development. Our mission? To empower through economic advancement, cultural stewardship, and community-centered services that strengthen our collective future.

But we’re not just another chamber. We’re the bridge – the Gateway to Hawaiʻi Initiative – connecting Las Vegas to the islands through business trade, cultural exchange, tourism partnerships, and innovation. We host Aloha Friday Happy Hours every 4th Friday, the Aloha Business Expo, Hawaiian Blessings for milestones, and more – all designed to bring people together in the spirit of laulima (cooperation) and kuleana (responsibility).

Whether you’re a small business owner looking for mentorship and capital pathways, a young leader seeking job-ready training, or simply someone who wants to stay connected to Hawaiian culture, the 9th Island Chamber is your home.