Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan
In 2021, HTA collaborated with Hawai‘i Island community groups and nonprofits, visitor industry stakeholders, and government agencies to systematically identify and address stewardship opportunities and needs, centering resident feedback in the process. The Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023 was developed by building on HTA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and the County of Hawai'i's Tourism Strategic Plan 2020-2025, resulting in the adoption of 10 actionable initiatives and 45 sub-actions to be commenced and delivered over a three-year period. Click here or the cover image below to view the plan.
Creation of the Hawai‘i Island DMAP 2021-2023 marked a key step for HTA’s regenerative tourism management and destination stewardship implementation on Hawai‘i Island. HTA continues to work with partners to promote community outreach and communication initiatives, protect and preserve culturally significant places and hotspots, support place-based visitor education, strengthen agritourism initiatives to support local food security. Some of our partner projects include the Keaukaha Stewardship Culture Education Program, the Ka‘ū Hoa Pili ‘Āina Stewardship Training Program, and the improvement of signage and place-based visitor education at sites such as Waipi‘o Valley.
Building on the insights gained through these processes, the next iteration of the Hawai‘i Island DMAP will maintain its emphasis on regenerative tourism, focusing on sustaining progress and further integrating resident well-being into tourism planning. An advisory group, composed of Hawai‘i Island community leaders, cultural practitioners, and industry stakeholders, will be formed to refine current strategies and create new action items aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening community involvement. Public meetings will be organized to provide Hawai‘i Island residents with the opportunity to offer feedback, ensuring that their values and aspirations for their community are reflected in the plan.
