Kauai Island Utility Cooperative is governed by a board of nine directors elected by and from the cooperative's membership. The directors are responsible for setting major policies, hiring the CEO and leading the development of the strategic plan in consultation with senior management. They are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the cooperative.

All directors are elected at-large, and serve staggered three-year terms. Three seats are up for election in March. Candidates are placed on the ballot in one of two ways: by the KIUC nominating committee, or by submitting a petition signed by 35 KIUC members in good standing. Each candidate needs to read Board Policy 18, sign the Affirmation of Director Qualifications and Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, and attend a Director Orientation to have their name to be placed on the election ballot.