The Kauai Economic Development Board sponsored two "Kauai 2000 and Beyond" planning conferences in order to identify a common goal for Kauai's future. Among those attending were representatives from businesses, the community, education, and the government. The Mission they came up with is as follows:

In a study conducted by Dr. Jon Matsuoka of the University of Hawaii, 92% of the Kauai respondents felt that the "protection of Kauai's rural lifestyle" should be a priority in land use planning.

In 1995, Market Trends Pacific, Inc. conducted a study of visitors to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Through the study, they were able to "identify visitor attitudes and perceptions of Kauai and to measure levels of satisfaction with their visit to the island."

The average age of the people surveyed was 43.3 years with an average household income of $71,804. Although 60% were repeat visitors to Hawaii, 70% were visiting Kauai for the first time.

The primary reason that tourists visit Kauai is to experience the natural beauty and scenery of the island. Thus, the most popular attractions are Waimea canyon, Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, and Wailua Falls. Other reasons for visiting Kauai include (in order) its tranquility, its beaches, recommendations from others, its uniqueness, and past experience. Nearly everyone surveyed was satisfied with their trip to Kauai, mentioning "beautiful scenery" and "friendly people" as reasons. Some respondents however, felt that Kauai had a "lack of activities."

Of 411 Kauai visitors, 36% were "somewhat familiar" with the island, 24% were "not familiar at all," 21% were "not very familiar," and 18% were "very familiar."