Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Kicks Off Community Input Sessions to Drive Sustainable Tourism Growth in North America

Published on September 26, 2025

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) has launched a series of community input sessions aimed at shaping the future of tourism on Hawai‘i Island. These sessions, held throughout October 2025, provide a platform for residents to share their insights, experiences, and ideas on how tourism can evolve to better benefit both the community and visitors. The HTA’s initiative is part of its broader effort to develop the Destination Management Plan, ensuring that the island’s tourism future is aligned with the values and needs of its residents.

Engaging the Community in Tourism Planning

The community input sessions are designed to allow Hawai‘i Island residents to directly influence the Destination Management Plan. By inviting locals to share their thoughts, the HTA ensures that the plan prioritizes the issues that matter most to those who live and work on the island. According to Caroline Anderson, the interim president and CEO of HTA, these sessions are a way to listen to the community and ensure the plan reflects what residents care about most when it comes to tourism. The goal is to develop a plan that balances the benefits of tourism with the needs of the community, preserves natural and cultural resources, and enhances residents’ quality of life.

Key Objectives of the Destination Management Plan

The input from these community input sessions will help the HTA refine its strategies for sustainable tourism development. The Destination Management Plan will focus on:

• Balancing the benefits of tourism with local community needs
• Preserving Hawai‘i Island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage
• Supporting local businesses and promoting community engagement
• Enhancing the quality of life for residents while improving the visitor experience

Session Dates and Locations

The HTA’s community input sessions will take place across Hawai‘i Island in early October. These sessions are the second round of discussions following similar meetings held in August 2025. The upcoming sessions will build on the feedback received earlier and seek more detailed insights on specific tourism-related issues.

Session Details:

• Kailua-Kona, West Hawai‘i Civic Center
  • Date: October 1, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Registration Deadline: September 28, 2025
• Hilo, County of Hawai‘i Aupuni Center Conference Room
  • Date: October 2, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Registration Deadline: September 29, 2025

These sessions are free and in-person. Registration is required and only residents of Hawai‘i Island are eligible to attend, as the discussions will be centered on island-specific topics.

Building on Past Success

This initiative follows the success of similar sessions held on other islands, such as Kaua‘i, where more than 150 residents shared their concerns and suggested solutions. These sessions have already led to actionable outcomes, such as pre- and post-arrival messaging to visitors, improvements in tourism-related infrastructure, and better management of local resources.

Earlier discussions held in Wahiawā, O‘ahu focused on traffic congestion and safety concerns in popular tourist areas. The feedback resulted in calls for more sustainable tourism practices, including better management of visitor traffic and improvements to public services like emergency response times.

The Future of Hawai‘i Island’s Tourism

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority remains committed to fostering a sustainable tourism model that supports local communities while ensuring that Hawai‘i Island remains an attractive destination for visitors. By engaging with the local community, the HTA is striving to create a destination management plan that works for everyone.

The feedback from these community input sessions will help shape the future of tourism on Hawai‘i Island, with an emphasis on environmental conservation, community empowerment, and a balanced tourism strategy. The sessions will continue into December 2025 to ensure that every voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.