December 2025 updates from Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development

Happy holidays from Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development. The staff and administration wish you and your ʻohana a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026.

Here are several updates about programs, grants and events happening around the island.

Kauaʻi Cultural Programs and Events Grant

Deadline to submit: 4 p.m. Dec. 31

Proposals are being accepted for funding from the Kauaʻi Cultural Programs and Events Grant now through Dec. 31.

The grant supports cultural programs, festivals, educational initiatives and community-led events that uplift, preserve and celebrate Kauaʻi’s rich cultural heritage. Awarded grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000 each for different initiatives that align with project specifications provided in the request for proposal.

Email oedgrants@kauai.gov for additional information.

Submit proposals online.

Applications Open for the 2026 Youth Climate Class

Deadline to apply: Jan. 9, 2026

Applications are being accepted for the fourth annual Youth Climate Class beginning in February 2026.

High school students from around the island are invited to apply for this hands-on program offering participants the opportunity to travel around Kauaʻi, meet local leaders and explore six core sustainability focus areas: clean energy, natural resource management, waste reduction, local food, smart and sustainable communities and green workforce and education.

Contact economic development office Sustainability Coordinator Ana Española via email at aespanola@kauai.gov for more information.

Learn more here.

Film Kauaʻi Makes a Splash at the American Film Market

Film Kauaʻi traveled to Los Angeles in November for the 2025 American Film Market, the global film industry’s annual gathering.

American Film Market is the premier film acquisition, development and networking event. More than $1 billion in distribution and film financing deals are closed each year on completed films and those in every stage of development.

Representatives from Film Kauaʻi attended to ensure the Garden Isle is kept top of mind for upcoming projects.

The Hollywood Reporter — one of the leading industry trade publications — at American Film Market spotlighted the rich history of filmmaking on Kauaʻi and dynamic current opportunities for today’s creatives.

Read The Hollywood Reporter story here.

Kauaʻi Made Celebrates 20 Years

This month marks 20 years of Kauaʻi Made.

This official program of Kauaʻi County identifies and promotes products authentic to Kauaʻi, made on Kauaʻi and produced by the people of Kauaʻi. The initiative was created in 2005 by Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development to showcase the variety of local goods the Garden Isle produces.

They must be a resident of Kauaʻi and source most or all of their materials from the island in order for a business to register their project through Kauaʻi Made.

Kauaʻi Made has demonstrated through the years that the island’s substantial economic impact on the broader state — and an increasing demand for local products.

Mahalo to businessowners and consumers, who understand the importance of supporting local and help us create a more independent and resilient community every day.

Shop online now.

Kui Kauaʻi Blogs

The economic development office — as it seeks to thread stronger connections around the Garden Isle — created a blog to introduce the community to some of its partners and those working behind the scenes in the office.

It’s hoped through these the public gains a better understanding of what the office does and the heart that goes into its work. Read the latest posts here:

• Kumano I Ke Ala’s Economic Resilience Model.
• Impacts of the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant at Barre Kaua‘i.
• The Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan Vision.
• The Mentors’ Mentor — Warren Doi.

Read more here.

Upcoming Events on Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi Made Craft Fair

• 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday
• OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa

Wailuā Work Day at Hihiakalahau

• 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 17, 2026
• Hihiakalahau (5510 Kuamoʻo Road)

E Kanikapila Kākou

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026
• Kauaʻi Community College Performing Arts Center

Waimea Town Celebration

• Feb. 14-22, 2023
• Waimea Town

View more online.

Follow Kauaʻi County Office of Economic Development on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.