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Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan 2026-2028

The Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2026-2028 outlines a community-driven approach to stewarding the island’s natural and cultural resources while enhancing residents’ quality of life and fostering a more meaningful visitor experience. Developed with input from community members, industry partners, County leadership, and the Kauaʻi Advisory Group, the plan identifies practical actions for the next three years to address priority hotspots and protect resources that sustain both community and economy.

These actions reflect priorities voiced by residents from across Kauaʻi: clearer rules and communication, on-site presence and safety measures, proactive stewardship, and interagency coordination.

Kauaʻi Visitor Industry Snapshot

$2.93 billion in total visitor expenditures in 2025*, a 1.9% increase over 2024 ($2.87 billion).
$281.25 average daily visitor spending in 2025*, a 1.6% increase over 2024 ($276.88).
The Spring 2025 Resident Sentiment Survey measures several indicators and provides a baseline for analyzing the effectiveness of the DMAPs on resident quality of life: In 2025, 55% of Kaua‘i residents agreed that “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems.”
- In 2025, 56% of Kaua‘i residents agreed that “Tourism is being better managed on my island.”
- The DMAP implementation and engagement process provides room for further inclusion of diverse voices: In 2025, 36% of Kaua‘i residents agreed that “I have a voice in my island’s tourism development decisions.”
High average visitor satisfaction in 2025* across major market areas: 87.6% of visitors rated their experience on Kaua‘i as “excellent.”
While not one of HTA’s key performance indicators, total visitor arrivals to Kaua‘i in 2025* was 1.42 million, an increase of 1.9% over 2024. This is commensurate with a 1.9% increase in year-over-year total visitor expenditures from 2024 to 2025.

*2025 data is preliminary and is expected to be finalized in Fall 2026.

Click or tap on the cover to read the DMAP.

Read the Kauaʻi DMAP

Early 2025: Identify and invite prospective Kauaʻi Advisory Group members that represents diverse sectors, neighborhoods, and perspectives across community, industry, and government leaders. Learn more about our process for assembling Advisory Groups here.
Advisory Group Meetings. The island Advisory Group provided ongoing guidance throughout the DMAP development process, helping review emerging themes from community input, identify sites under strain, and refine draft actions. In addition to regular correspondence with our Kauaʻi destination manager, the Kauaʻi Advisory Group met on:
- August 12, 2025
- September 2, 2025
- September 12, 2025
- December 11, 2025
- March 24, 2026
August 14, 2025: Kaua‘i visitor industry virtual input session on industry priorities and needs, held in concurrent process to develop HTA Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
August 26, 2025: Virtual Kauaʻi-specific community input session on destination management and tourism in general, through concurrent process to develop HTA Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
September 10, 2025: In-person community input session for West Kauaʻi residents at the West Kauaʻi Technology Center from 6 to 8 pm. Participants discussed concerns on four themes: traffic, infrastructure and access; enforcement and safety; visitor education; and resident engagement and communication.
September – November, 2025: In-person Community Sessions. In addition to regular attendance by our Destination Manager at community meetings across the island, HTA also hosted in-person community input sessions to discuss themes that emerged early in the drafting process. At these sessions, participants discussed recurring concerns including: traffic, infrastructure and access; enforcement and safety; visitor education; and resident engagement and communication. The in-person community input sessions were held on:
- September 10, 2025: West Kauaʻi Community Session at West Kauaʻi Technology Center
- September 11, 2025: Līhuʻe Community Session at Kukui Grove Shopping Center
- November 18, 2025: North Kauaʻi Community Session at Hanalei Community Center
November 2025: Begin drafting DMAP. Derive priority hotspots and preliminary actions from suggestions and needs identified in community and industry input sessions.
February 19, 2026: Present draft Kauaʻi DMAP to the general public in lunchtime webinar. Announce public comment period on HTA website. Publicize webinar recording and upcoming public comment period through HTA channels.
March 2026: Public comment period open. Reviewed comments and revised the draft DMAP for approval by the HTA Advisory Board.
April 15, 2026: Draft DMAPs for all islands approved by the HTA Advisory Board.
May and June 2026: DMAPs for all islands reviewed and approved by DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka and Governor Josh Green, M.D.

The Kaua‘i DMAP Advisory Group is made up of Kaua‘i residents from across the island who serve in nonprofit organizations, represent the visitor industry, run local businesses, lead State and County agencies, and more. Their guidance was essential in synthesizing community input and shaping actions that are feasible, impactful, and grounded in local priorities.

Over the next three years, the Advisory Group will help advance the DMAP by applying their expertise, relationships, and organizational capacity to support site‑specific work and island‑wide goals. They also serve as on‑the‑ground ambassadors for destination management—listening to community and industry stakeholders and ensuring that implementation remains responsive to real-time conditions.

Jeremiah Aguilera District Manager, Island of Kaua‘i State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation	Chandra Bertsch Co-Owner & General Manager Holo Holo Charters	Jim Braman General Manager The Cliffs at Princeville
Nalani Brun Director County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development	Alan Carpenter Acting Administrator State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks	Sean Chun Cultural Practitioner Pihana Ka Ikena
Ana Española Sustainability Coordinator County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development	Christopher Gandeza Kauaʻi Branch Chief State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement	Joel Guy* Executive Director Hanalei Initiative
Kāhealani Hāmākua Cultural Practitioner Pihana Ka Ikena	Diann Hartman Director of Marketing Communications Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa	Kirsten Hermstad Executive Director Hawaiʻi Lifeguard Association
Kellie Hines PGA Director of Community Relations and Instruction Ocean Course at Hōkūala	Stephanie Iona Civil Engagement Consultant Owner UI Hawaii Consulting LLC	Francyne Johnson Owner Hele On Kauaʻi Bike Rentals
Jackie Kaina Executive Director Kauaʻi Economic Development Board	Sue Kanoho Managing Director – Island Chapters/Executive Director, Retired Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau/Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau	Christina Kaser Economic Development Specialist III – Energy County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development
Troy Lazaro* Kumu Hula/Cultural Practitioner Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hīnano	Sheri Mann Kauaʻi Branch Manager State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife	Roy Piliere Hospitality & Tourism Program Coordinator Kauaʻi Community College
Michelle Rego Tourism/Workforce Specialist County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development	Samira Siale Island Director Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau	Alexander Sriharsha Trail and Access Specialist State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Nā Ala Hele
Joshua Uyehara Principal UI Hawaii Consulting LLC President Kekaha Agriculture Association	Benjamin Wells Natural Resource Management Specialist State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife

* Current HTA Advisory Board member

Implementation updates and progress reporting for the 2026–2028 Kaua‘i DMAP will be added as actions move forward.

Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan 2026-2028

Kauaʻi Visitor Industry Snapshot

How the Kauaʻi DMAP Was Developed

Kauaʻi DMAP Advisory Group

Implementation (Coming Soon)