Kauaʻi Welcomes Visitors Post-Hurricane Lowell Recovery
Hawaii’s Garden Island, Kauaʻi, is once again open to travelers. This follows a phased reopening after the devastating impact of Hurricane Lowell. The Category 2 storm hit the island on September 7, 2026, leaving approximately 90% of the island without power, flooding coastal resorts, and damaging roads across the south and west shores.
The recovery process has been impressively swift. The South Shore — home to the popular resort community of Poʻipū — resumed visitor arrivals on September 21, 2026. The more remote North Shore is scheduled to reopen to visitors on October 1, 2026. Power has now been restored to approximately 95% of the island, and businesses, restaurants, and visitor activities continue to reopen daily.
At the height of its destruction, Hurricane Lowell destroyed at least 18 homes and severely damaged over 100 more, according to Kauaʻi County records. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami initially requested tourists to delay travel while recovery operations were in progress. He emphasized that the island would “gladly welcome” visitors once it could handle the capacity. That moment has now arrived for much of the island.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) continues to update its official travel guidance. Major airlines including Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines have offered flexible rebooking policies for Lihue (LIH) airport travelers. Travelers with upcoming bookings are encouraged to check directly with their hotels and tour operators before visiting the North Shore.
Source: Parrish Kauai – Kauai Recovery Update Following Hurricane Lowell