Free public Wi-Fi now at 7 Kauaʻi County parks, facilities for connectivity, emergency communication

Around Kauaʻi, free public Wi-Fi access now is available at seven county parks and facilities, enabling improved connectivity and emergency communications for lifeguards, hikers, park rangers, government workers, residents and visitors.

The Kaua‘i HI-Wifi Starlink Program was announced Tuesday during a press conference in Līhuʻe at the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, which is overseeing the program’s rollout and will maintain the satellite network for emergency readiness.

“We have these Wi-Fi access points in places where people are likely to congregate, whether in an emergency or just enjoying the parks,” said Del Sherman, the county’s information technology manager.

He said the “most interesting” to him was a portable Starlink at the Keʻe Beach Lifeguard Tower that will be of great benefit to Ocean Safety.

“I’ve been told that having Wi-Fi at Keʻe Beach is akin to landing someone on the moon,” Sherman said. “It’s just that remote.”

The program, which is funded by the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in partnership with Kaua‘i County, is also operational at six other locations: Isenberg Park, Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex, Kīlauea Park, Kekaha Faye Park, Waimea Athletic Field and Hanapēpē Stadium.

The program is also installing a Starlink system at Vidinha Stadium, with completion scheduled for September 2026.

The seven locations will have one Starlink Gen 3 model equipped to operate in harsh, remote environments, withstand extreme weather, and support in-motion use. To date, the state has provided approximately $80,000 in funding for the project.

“Itʻs more than just staying in touch; it’s staying connected, especially in trying times and during natural disasters that include wildfires, floods and storms,” Kaua’i Mayor Derek Kawakami said.

He added that Starlink also will be valuable during power outages.

“These sites on our public spaces will create hubs where people can gather, get information,” he said. “And, it is critically important for public safety.”

The initiative draws upon the successful use of Starlink’s satellite technology on Maui. It was used as crucial internet backup for emergency teams after traditional infrastructure failed due to the deadly 2023 wildfire that destroyed most of Lahaina.

“Expanding broadband access isn’t just about connectivity — it’s about equity, safety and ensuring every community has the tools to thrive,” said Randy M. Leong, cable television administrator with the state commerce department.

“Residents and visitors to Kauaʻi will now have expanded coverage while hiking at Keʻe Beach and Haeʻna State Park trail head, remaining connected and informed in the event of severe weather-related events, or streaming or video calling in rural parks of Kauaʻi,” Leong said.

Kawakami added: “Our island communities deserve reliable, resilient internet access, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure can’t reach.”

The new program builds on earlier broadband initiatives such as community center Wi-Fi and Spectrum hotspots at bus stops.

The Wi-Fi equipment at each location will be able to support hundreds of users, the county said. However, bandwidth traffic will be routed through a single Starlink connection, which will changes the dynamics.

The system will be able to support approximately 50 to 100 users when used lightly, such as messaging, email and basic web browsing. Performance will quickly degrade if users begin streaming video on platforms like YouTube or TikTok, running speed tests, or engaging in other high-bandwidth activities.

To ensure that emergency services has priority during an emergency, the county said it will likely implement bandwidth restrictions.

Kaua’i County Councilmember Felicia Cowden, who attended the press conference, said the project is an opportunity for the County to “both explore safety communication pathways while also helping the public.

“We hold an open mind for possible expansion to more areas of Kauaʻi if this proves successful and effective.”

Residents can use the Wi-Fi at any time for everyday purposes such as schoolwork, communication, livestreaming and other personal needs. During emergencies, the Starlink locations also will serve as communication hubs where people can gather to receive updates and stay connected if traditional networks fail.

To view the reach and access location of the GIS map for the Starlink project, click here.

Below, you’ll find the complete recording of the Kaua’i Starlink Program press conference.