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Molokaʻi Destination Management Action Plan 2026-2028

The Molokaʻi 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 Molokaʻi Advisory Group, the plan identifies practical actions for the next three years to address a priority hotspot and site under strain, define, guide, and structure management in alignment with the public, and protect resources that sustain both community and economy.

These actions reflect priorities voiced by residents from across Molokaʻi: locally owned opportunities rooted in pilina (connection), guided access where it is needed, and visitor education grounded in respect.

Molokaʻi Visitor Industry Snapshot

$28.80 million in total visitor expenditures in 2025*, a 4.2% decrease from 2024 ($30.06 million). By comparison, in 2005 total visitor expenditures were $33.1 million, or around $46 million in inflation-adjusted 2025 dollars.
$191.52 average daily visitor spending in 2025*, an 9.2% increase over 2024 ($175.46).
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, 45% of Molokaʻi residents agreed that “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems.”
- In 2025, 42% of Molokaʻi residents agreed that “Tourism is being better managed on my island,” unchanged from 2024.
- The DMAP implementation and engagement process provides room for further inclusion of diverse voices: In 2025, 37% of Molokaʻi residents agreed that “I have a voice in my island’s tourism development decisions,” an increase of 2% over 2024.
Above average visitor satisfaction in 2025* across major market areas: 70.8% of visitors rating their experience on Molokaʻi as “excellent.”
While not one of HTA’s key performance indicators, total visitor arrivals to Molokaʻi in 2025* was 30,239, an increase of 1.1% from 2024.

*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 Molokaʻi DMAP

Early 2025: Identify and invite prospective Molokaʻi 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 HTA’s Molokaʻi destination manager, the Molokaʻi Advisory Group met on:
- August 5, 2025
- September 2, 2025
- October 8, 2025
- December 2, 2025
- March 25, 2026
August 12, 2025: In-person Molokaʻi-specific community and industry input session on destination management and tourism in general, through concurrent process to develop HTA Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
September to October, 2025: One-on-one and small group community input sessions with HTA’s Molokaʻi destination manager, either out in the community across Molokaʻi or at HTA’s Molokaʻi Office.
September 22, 2025: Industry Engagement Session at the HTA Tourism Conference 2025. Discussions were held across six sector groupings: accommodations and lodging; tours and activities; transportation and access; food, retail and events; marketing, media and travel trade; and community and cultural stewardship partners. These discussions helped identify practical opportunities for industry participation in destination management.
October 7, 2025: Molokaʻi Input Session. Participants discussed issues, points of concern, and stewardship needs organized in groups by geographic area, including East Molokaʻi (such as Hālawa and Manaʻe), West Molokaʻi (such as Kualakoʻi and Maunaloa), Central Molokaʻi (such as Kaunakakai), and North Molokaʻi (such as Kualapuʻu and Hoʻolehua). These discussions helped further identify sites under strain and clarify desired outcomes for destination management.
October to November, 2025: Continuation of one-on-one and small group community input sessions with HTA’s Molokaʻi Destination Manager, either out in the community across Molokaʻi or at HTA’s Molokaʻi Office.
November 2025: Begin drafting DMAP. Derive priority hotspots and preliminary actions from suggestions and needs identified in community and industry input sessions.
February 25, 2026: Present draft Molokaʻi 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. View the webinar recording here.
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 Molokaʻi DMAP Advisory Group is made up of Molokaʻi 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.

Clare Albino Chairman & Owner Youth In Motion & Molokai Outdoors and CSM Management	Carrie Caparida Grant Specialist Kuha’o Business Center, County of Maui	Lana Corpuz Program Manager ‘Āina Momona
Rosie Davis Executive Director Maui County Area Health Education Center	William Dudoit Manager Alamo Rent-a-Car – Moloka’i	Butch Haase Executive Director Moloka‘i Land Trust
Kaui Manera Community Member Moloka‘i	Kilia Purdy-Avelino Owner Purdy Farms	Greg Solatorio Owner Hālawa Valley Falls Cultural Hike
Rob Stephenson President Molokai Chamber of Commerce	Wailani Tanaka Owner All Things Moloka’i

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