VISITORS TO WAIMEA CANYON AND KŌKEʻE STATE PARKS CAUTIONED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND LIMITED PARKING
Beginning July 14, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout with be closed for construction of safety improvements. The project is expected to last through early December, 2025. This closure, in addition to several overlapping roadwork projects by both DOT-Highways and DLNR-State Parks, will cause delays, impact traffic patterns, and restrict overall parking capacity in these two popular parks through the end of the year. DOT work is continuing on Waimea Canyon Drive, while work on portions of Kōkeʻe Road from the Kalalau Lookout to Puʻu o Kila lookout will be starting the same week. Visitors can drive as far as the Kalalau Lookout, where improvements will also be initiated on July 17, with limited parking available. We urge patience and driving with care as these various improvements are ongoing. Local visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks on weekends, when most work will be suspended.
16TH ANNUAL KAUA‘I MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON
The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon are among the most beautiful destination races in the world. Taking place on August 31, 2025, this race offers a unique experience and getaway that only Kaua‘i can provide. Participants will pass by hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes along the course while taking in stunning mountain views. Each runner will conclude their journey along one of the most picturesque oceanfront finish lines in road racing.
Sign up today at www.thekauaimarathon.com. Funding provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.
JOIN US AT THE 2025 HAWAI‘I TOURISM CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 22 & 23, 2025
The Hawai‘i Tourism Conference will be held from September 22 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. This premier event that brings together hospitality professionals, natural resource and community stewards, government officials, and thought leaders in our largest industry. As the visitor industry continues to evolve, it’s vital that we gather to discuss opportunities and challenges ahead.
This year’s theme, Pūpūkahi I Holomua – Unite to Move Forward, encourages us to inspire one another and foster collaboration. Together, we can overcome challenges and harness our collective strength to advance our visitor industry together.
For more information on the conference programming and conference hotels, click here.
DMAP:
The Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) has entered its next phase. Following the first Advisory Group meeting on August 12, which included input from government, industry, and community stakeholders, the plan now is to include and address community feedback.
The public will have a chance to provide input at two in-person community meetings on September 10 and 11. These sessions will focus on how to balance resident needs, cultural preservation, and visitor management, including strategies for addressing "hot spots" on the island. There will be more community meetings in the upcoming months to continue engagement with the community. For more information on the DMAP, click here.
Public Relations:
KVB participated in HVCB’s Virtual Media Blitz during Kaua‘i’s single-island day on Wednesday, August 20 and on the Statewide day on Friday, August 22. KVB met with 14 freelance journalist who write for various top tier publications, including Conde Nast Traveler, TravelAge West, TravelPulse, National Geographic, AFAR, Fodor’s and more, to discuss story angles, updates about Kaua‘i, individual media visits.
Kaua‘i Events:
For more events, please visit www.gohawaii.com and www.kauaifestivals.com
September 6, 2025
September 13, 2025
September 21 – 27, 2025
