Tourism officials are asking visitors to steer clear of Kauai, one of Hawaii's most picturesque islands, as residents and businesses work to recover from Hurricane Lowell. The storm caused significant damage to oceanfront resorts, roads, and power infrastructure earlier this week.
Thousands of customers, including some resorts, remained without power late Thursday. Crews have been clearing streets of downed trees and utility poles, leading to extensive lines at Kauai's primary airport as people attempted to depart the island.
"Our hope is that visitors will adjust their travel plans instead of canceling their trip to Hawai‘i altogether," Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, said in a statement. "Adjusting your itinerary allows you to continue your Hawaiʻi vacation while supporting the state’s broader visitor economy as Kauaʻi recovers."
Kauai sees a small fraction of Hawaii's nearly 10 million annual visitors, but tourism is its top economic driver, accounting for approximately 4 out of every 10 jobs on the island. The hurricane's storm surge buckled roads, damaged homes, and flooded resorts. Two deaths have been attributed to the storm: a 74-year-old man found near Kauai's south shore and a man found dead on Oahu after a tree fell on his tent.
Democratic Governor Josh Green requested that President Trump issue a major disaster declaration on Wednesday to expedite federal assistance for Kauai and Maui counties.
At the Koʻa Kea Resort in Poipu, management stated they would offer refunds to guests whose reservations were canceled due to the storm, anticipating a return to normal operations within two weeks. The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, which sustained no structural damage, closed temporarily and hoped to reopen soon after power was restored.
Despite images of destruction circulating on social media, some residents noted that much of the island was spared severe damage. Chris White, a Kauai resident and owner of a rental property in Poipu, mentioned he has backup power and water systems. He advised potential visitors to check with their property owners regarding travel.
"There are countless images on the web of devastation, so I’m not trying to gloss that over," White said. "I’m just trying to add a little more balance to it. It’s a beautiful day here. Guests can still walk to Poipu Beach. There are bathrooms that work. The water’s running."
Kelly Kakalia, co-owner of The Musubi Truck, expressed that while tourism is vital to the economy, the island needs time to recover. "Our island needs time to rest and rebuild and make sure locals have power and water" before welcoming tourists back, she said.
On Wednesday, Kakalia's business used its commercial kitchen, powered by propane and generators, to serve nearly 600 free meals to residents. A neighboring cafe and brewery also assisted volunteers.
Kakalia, a lifelong Kauai resident, stated that prioritizing community needs over business during the immediate aftermath was essential. After her kitchen regained power, she donated generators to families still without electricity.
"The community and island are more important," Kakalia added.