VDA: Visitor Destination Area

The Visitor Destination Area (VDA)

The Visitor Destination Area (VDA) on Kauai is primarily located on the eastern and southern shores of the island (Kapaa and Poipu). The VDA designation allows for properties to be rented for less than 6 months at a time (short term), more tourism-related development and accommodations. The specific areas included in the Kauai VDA are below

1. Poipu

This is a popular resort area located on the southern coast of Kauai. It is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a variety of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals. From the Shops at Kukuiula to the Hyatt, almost all condos are within he VDA. Prices range from

2. Lihue

Lihue has ocean views, town views and mountain! Lihue offers convenient access to the Lihue Airport, Costco and one of the 3 public High schools on island.  and serves as a transportation hub for visitors. The only place in town that allows short term rentals is Banyan Harbor which range from $500K to $900K.

3. Kapaa

Situated on the eastern coast, Kapaa is known for its scenic beauty, with easy access to hiking and water activities due to the Wailua River. It’s also one of the better “walking towns” Kauai offers. It includes a range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. All of the condos on the ocean in Kapaa are in the VDA. These range from $300K to $900K. It’s rare for residential properties to be in the VDA but there is a small area by the marketplace that is in the VDA.

4. Princeville

Known for its scenic beauty as you drive through lucious mountains and lots of waterfalls. Most of the homes/condos in the Princeville subdivision are in the VDA. The homes on Queen Emma’s bluff are excluded from the VDA due to their HOA prohibiting it. Prices range from $600K to $5M.

Please note that regulations and designations can change over time, so it’s important to verify the current boundaries and details of the Kauai Visitor Destination Area with the relevant authorities or tourism organizations.

Why Does Kaua’i Have a Visitor Destination Area?

Kauai, like many other popular tourist destinations, experiences a significant influx of visitors. VDAs are designed to concentrate tourism development and activities in specific areas, which helps manage the impact of tourism on the environment, infrastructure, and local communities. If you are familiar with Kaua’i or better yet, from Kauai, you know Kaua’i struggles with a housing crisis. Many people who are born and raised on island think the VDA areas on Kauai are too spread out and are accommodating only to the tourist verses the local people. What are your thoughts?