Kaua’i County officials are asking tourists to postpone trips to the island while recovery continues from Hurricane Lowell, which struck on Sept. 7 and 8 with severe winds, heavy rain and widespread power outages.
As of Monday, about 82% of customers had power restored, according to Kaua’i County officials.
Kaua’i County Mayor Derek Kawakami told reporters recently that the island is still digging itself “out of the mud” and discouraged visitors from coming for now. He said Kaua’i would “gladly welcome” tourists once it can “recover to a point where we can handle more capacity coming in,” according to Kaua’i Now News.
“We are going to recover faster than I think we anticipated,” the mayor said, though he did not give a timeline for when the island would be ready to receive visitors again.
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority issued an advisory last week echoing that message.
“As the island focuses its resources on immediate needs, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority encourages travelers with upcoming Kaua’i plans to reschedule or consider visiting another Hawaiian island instead of canceling their trip.”
The agency added that travelers rescheduling trips should check directly with airlines, accommodations and other travel providers for updated options.
Kaua’i, known as the Garden Island, is the fourth largest of Hawaii’s main islands and drew nearly 1.42 million visitors in 2025, according to the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. The island’s attractions include the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Hanalei Bay.
Hawaii’s tourism sector has dealt with several weather and natural hazards this year. Earlier in the year, health officials issued brown water advisories across multiple islands following a storm that brought heavy rain and contaminated runoff. In January, an eruption at Kilauea volcano prompted Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park officials to warn visitors about heavy traffic, crowds and potential hazards.
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