Kauai Industries
Agriculture
The agriculture legacy of Kauaʻi reaches back to the Native Hawaiians who built the well-known loʻi kalo (terraced taro fields) as well as extensive irrigated field systems. Remnants of the later, and the large settlements they supported, can be seen in the area that is now Poʻipū. Nearby stands the ruins of the former Kōloa sugar mill, a monument to an industry that began on Kauaʻi and went on to shape not only the agricultural and economic trajectory of Hawaiʻi but also left a permanent imprint on the people, politics, and culture of these islands. Although the plantations of sugar and pineapple are now part of our history, agriculture continues to form a vital part of the economy of this tropical rural county.
The aptly named Garden Island is, from an agricultural perspective, a challenging, but rewarding place to do business. A 365-day-a-year growing season affords farmers and gardeners the opportunity to grow everything from tropical fruits and flowers to traditional Polynesian and row crops, endangered native plants, and exotic hardwoods. The various microclimates found in the different parts of the island allow for a diversity of crops and agricultural activity.
To experience some of the bounty and diversity of the Kauaʻi agricultural sector, visit one of the many Farmer’s markets. There is one almost every day of the year.
Sustainability
It should not take long for a local resident or visitor to experience Kauai as a sustainable community, which is integral with its native culture.
There are many farms around the island and restaurants and stores that utilize and promote sustainable foods on their menus and shelves. Also present are farmers markets that operate to the public and are accessible in every community at least once a week.
Established organizations are productive and useful to the Kauai community and its visitors with the current development of the Kilauea Ag Park, Malama Kauai, Waipa Foundation and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative among many others.
Technology & Defense
Many people are surprised that Kauai, as a small island in the middle of the Pacific, can be technologically advanced.
The largest center of technology on Kauai is the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands (PMRF) on the west side. PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environmental range capable of supported surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously. They provide many tech related jobs, including through independent support organizations.
Our electric utility is Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), Hawaii’s only member-owned electric utility. With significant investments in renewable technologies, including solar, hydropower, and biomass, KIUC is literally leading the nation in clean energy production. On the sunniest days, 90 percent of Kauai’s daytime energy needs are currently met by renewables – primarily solar – which is believed to be the highest percentage of solar on an electrical grid of any utility in the U.S.
As part of University of Hawaii, Kauai Community College offers many technology-related associate degree, professional certificate, and continuing education programs. Visit http://kauai.hawaii.edu/programs.html for information.
The Kauai Chamber of Commerce member directory is an excellent resource to find help in every area of technology. Look in the Business & Professional Services or Computers & Telecommunications categories. You can also call us at (808) 245-7363 or email us at info@kauaichamber.org for help finding what you need.
Visitor Industry
Kauai’s visitor industry is supported and promoted by the non-profit organization Kaua`i Visitors Bureau (KVB) www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai which maintains effective partnerships with community, government and business interests on Kaua’i.
Lush, idyllic, peaceful, immersed in nature, crescent-shaped beaches, waterfalls, endless shades of green, serene tropical rivers, and a relaxed pace are the key words used to describe Kaua‘i – Hawaii’s Island of Discovery. In a word, Kaua‘i vacations are described as rejuvenating.
Kaua‘i has a variety of accommodations providing choices for everyone and every budget in five resort areas: the North Shore, Royal Coconut Coast/East Side, Lihue/Kalapaki, Poipu/South Shore and the West Side. With a diversity of activities, one has many choices of how to experience the beauty of Kaua‘i. Whether it is a Napali boat tour, an air tour, ziplining, mountain tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, or golfing on our many courses, just to name a few, you will find spectacular scenery island-wide.
To enhance a visit to Kaua‘i, check out the many festivals and events happening year round at www.kauaifestivals.com and support the locally made products listed at www.kauaimade.org.
To receive a FREE travel planner, contact the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau at kauai@hvcb.org or contact their call center at 1-800-262-1400. Follow on Facebook: Kauai Visitors Bureau and Instagram @KauaiDiscovery