The original Kinsarvik encompassed all of the present day municipalities of Ullensvang (except for Røldal) and a small part of Voss.

[2] The large parish of Kinsarvik (spelled Kinzervig at that time) was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law).

The Lussand-Kvanndal area north of the Hardangerfjorden (population: 72) was transferred to Granvin Municipality.

On 3 November 1917, a royal resolution changed the spelling of the name of the municipality to Kinsarvik.

[6] The municipal council (Heradsstyre) of Kinsarvik is made up of 13 representatives that were elected to four year terms.