Kaua‘i launches Starlink public Wi Fi, brings internet to remote areas

The County of Kaua‘i, in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, unveiled the Kaua‘i Hi Wifi Starlink Program on December 9, 2025, deploying Starlink satellite access points at remote and underserved locations. The project will provide free public Wi Fi where traditional infrastructure is limited, reinforcing emergency communications and everyday access for island residents and visitors.

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency will lead the rollout and help maintain the network for emergency readiness, while funding comes from the State and operational support is provided by Kaua‘i County. The program builds on previous broadband expansion work on the island, including community center Wi Fi projects and Spectrum hotspots installed on buses and at bus stops, extending that foundation into parks and coastal areas that have lacked reliable service.

Cable Television Administrator Randy M. Leong said, "Expanding broadband access isn’t just about connectivity, it’s about equity, safety, and ensuring every community has the tools to thrive." Mayor Derek Kawakami emphasized local priorities and partnerships when he said, "Our island communities deserve reliable, resilient internet access, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure can’t reach."

Officials cited Starlink's role during the Maui wildfires as a model for how satellite systems can support emergency response when ground based networks fail. On Kaua‘i the first access points are serving Ke‘e Beach with a portable system for Ocean Safety, Kīlauea Park at 2460 Keneke Street in Kīlauea, Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex at 4610 Olohena Road in Kapa‘a, Isenberg Park at 3353 Eono Street in Līhu‘e, Hanapēpē Stadium at 4431 Puolo Road in Hanapēpē, Waimea Athletic Field at 9531 Huakai Road in Waimea, and Kekaha Faye Park on Elepaio Road in Kekaha. An additional access point is planned at Vidinha Stadium, 3170 Ho‘olako Street in Līhu‘e, pending completion of construction.

For local residents the program promises practical benefits, from improved life safety communications at lifeguard stations to better connectivity for hikers, park rangers and county staff operating in areas with poor cellular coverage. Strengthening redundant pathways for emergency information also aligns Kaua‘i with broader resilience trends in the Pacific and beyond, where satellite services are increasingly used to protect communities from natural disasters and infrastructure failures. Photos and video of the announcement are available through county channels for those seeking further details.