Island getaway hit with urgent warning as hurricane damage leaves travelers without power
Kauaʻi Advises Travelers to Postpone Visits as the Island Ramps Up Recovery
Kauaʻi, the westernmost of Hawaii’s main islands, is still in the throes of rebuilding after being battered by Hurricane Lowell on September 7–8. Local officials are urging tourists to hold off on visiting while the county restores power, repairs infrastructure, and reallocates resources to residents in need.
The storm, which delivered fierce winds and heavy rainfall, left widespread power outages across the island. According to Kauaʻi County officials, electricity has now been restored to roughly 82 percent of customers, but the island’s systems remain fragile. “We are still digging ourselves out of the mud,” County Mayor Derek Kawakami told reporters a few days ago. “We will recover faster than I think we anticipated,” he added, though he declined to give a firm timeline for when tourism could resume at full capacity.
Kawakami also said that Kauaʻi would “gladly welcome” visitors once the county can handle an increase in capacity. The mayor’s comments come amid a broader push by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) to discourage trips to the island in the short term. “As the island focuses its resources on immediate needs, the HTA encourages travelers with upcoming Kauaʻi plans to reschedule or consider visiting another Hawaiian island instead of canceling their trip,” the authority released in a late‑week advisory.
The HTA further advised those who are rescheduling to check directly with airlines, hotels and other travel providers for updated options. The agency’s message reflects the growing strain on the island’s economy, which has long relied on tourism. In 2025, Kauaʻi drew approximately 1.42 million visitors, according to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. The island’s famed natural attractions – the dramatic Nā Pali Coast, the expansive Waimea Canyon and the sandy shores of Hanalei Bay – have been major draws for travelers from across the globe.
Kauaʻi is not the only Hawaiian destination that has faced a string of natural disruptions this year. In addition to the Lowell storm, health officials issued brown‑water advisories across several islands after a heavy rainstorm contaminated runoff. Earlier in the year, the Kilauea volcano erupted, prompting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to warn visitors about increased traffic, crowds and potential hazards.
With these events in mind, the county is prioritizing emergency services, infrastructure repair and community support over the influx of tourists. While the island’s economy will eventually rebound, officials emphasize that the focus remains on the well‑being of residents and the restoration of essential services.
Travelers who were planning a visit to Kauaʻi should keep the HTA and county advisories in mind and consider alternative islands while the recovery process continues. The island’s natural beauty remains undeniable, and the promise of a more resilient Kauaʻi lies on the horizon.