Kauaʻi Appeals to Tourists for Patience as Hurricane Lowell Recovery Efforts Persist
Hawaii’s island of Kauaʻi is appealing to travelers to delay their visits while the island recovers from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Lowell. Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami expressed that the current situation is not conducive for tourists as the island is still in the process of recovery. However, he reassured visitors that they will be warmly welcomed once the island is back on its feet.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is encouraging travelers with forthcoming reservations to reroute their itineraries to other Hawaiian islands, rather than cancelling their Hawaii trips entirely. This delicate balancing act aims to support both Kauaʻi’s recovery and the wider state economy. As of September 15, 2026, approximately 83% of the island had power restored, leaving around 6,488 households — primarily on the North Shore — still without electricity. Lihueʻ Airport (LIH) has reopened and resumed commercial flights, albeit on modified schedules.
Noteworthy attractions such as the Kokee and Waimea Canyon roads are still undergoing clearance, and some North Shore roads are limited to local traffic only. The HTA recommends visitors to verify all accommodations, flights, and activities prior to travel, and to reschedule — not cancel — if key parts of their itinerary are unavailable. Mayor Kawakami is also urging the visitor industry to allow customers to alter travel plans without significant financial penalties, acknowledging that “some of these visitors, they save up for a lifetime just to get here.”
Source: Kauai Now – Mayor Advises Tourists to Reconsider Travel to Kauaʻi