The County of Hawai‘i has released the Hawai‘i Island Tourism Strategic Plan 2020-2025 (https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov/economic-development/tourism) . This is a guiding document for the County to ensure Responsible Tourism, which is respectful to communities, and natural and cultural resources.

To develop the Hawai‘i Island Tourism Strategic Plan, the County conducted research and gathered input from over 400 representatives from the visitor industry, community and public and private sectors to integrate a range of perspectives on the future direction of tourism on Hawai‘i Island.

“If we are going to share with visitors, it must come from a place of abundance,” said a community member from Hāmākua.  An industry stakeholder also shared: “Educating people before they get to the Island is important.  People should know quickly what to do and what not to do.  They need to be a part of the solutions.” 

The Plan fosters the concept idea that successful tourism starts with a high quality of life for residents defined by Ola ka ‘Aina, Ola ke Kanaka (Healthy Land, Healthy People), and sets it as the vision for the future.

The Plan incorporates recent sentiments of members of Hawai‘i Island communities, visitor industry stakeholders, businesses and government officials who will guide the County in achieving four goals related to Responsible Tourism, Pono-Based Communication, Place-Based Communication, and Infrastructure.

For further information, contact  Frecia Cevallos, Tourism Specialist, Department of Research and Development at (808)961-8505 or Frecia.cevallos@Hawaiicounty.gov