Kauai has been through a challenging few weeks, but today the story is increasingly one of recovery, resilience and reopening.
Hurricane Lowell brought significant damage to parts of the island, and in the immediate aftermath, residents and officials understandably asked visitors to give Kauai some space while crews restored power, cleared roads and addressed the most urgent needs. But Kauai has made remarkable progress since then. Roads and services are back online, businesses are reopening, communities are cleaning up, and almost all of the island is ready to welcome visitors again. And perhaps most importantly, the message from Kauai’s own leadership is clear: Kauai is welcoming visitors back. The message has been confusing for visitors, so let’s help clear it up and make it more understandable: Kauai is ready to receive tourists, except for the very extremities of the island (Koke’e and far North Shore like Wainiha and Ke’e).
On September 17th 2026, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami encouraged visitors to return and support the island’s local businesses, saying, “Kauaʻi is welcoming visitors, and we are grateful for the support you bring to our local businesses and our economy.” He also emphasized that the island remains in active recovery and asked visitors to be part of that recovery.
We are not pretending that Hurricane Lowell never happened. Some communities are still recovering, some facilities remain closed, and certain areas — particularly portions of the North Shore — continue to need additional time and attention. Visitors should check conditions before heading out particularly to the extremities of the island (like Kokee or Wainiha), and respect any closures or areas where recovery crews are working.
But recovery does not mean the island has to shut itself away. In fact, for many local businesses, welcoming visitors is an important part of moving forward. Tourism supports an enormous network of Kauai residents and small businesses. Restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, tour operators, photographers, shops, farmers, fishermen, activity providers and countless employees all depend, directly or indirectly, on visitors. When travelers postpone or cancel their trips, the economic effects ripple well beyond the hotel room or rental car that goes unused.
That’s why the conversation on Kauai has evolved so quickly.
Immediately after Lowell, the priority was making sure emergency crews and residents had the roads, resources and space they needed. Now, since conditions have vastly improved, the priority is increasingly about helping the island’s communities and economy get moving again. Local businesses are ready for that support.
Mayor Kawakami has specifically encouraged visitors to spend locally — eating at locally owned restaurants, shopping at small businesses and booking with local activity providers. That is an important message for travelers who may still be wondering whether their Kauai vacation should happen.
If you have a trip planned, don’t assume you need to cancel simply because you have seen headlines about Hurricane Lowell. Check the current conditions, contact your hotel or vacation rental, confirm your activities and ask about any changes to your itinerary.
Many businesses and accommodations are already operating. For example, the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort in Lihue reported that it was open and welcoming guests as of September 18th, with its guest services and major amenities operating. The situation isn’t identical everywhere on the island, and travelers should remain flexible. Some areas continue to recover, and access to particular beaches, parks or attractions can change. But that is very different from saying Kauai is closed.
Kauai is open. Kauai is recovering. And Kauai is ready to welcome visitors who come with a little patience and a lot of aloha.
There is also something special about visiting Kauai during a period of recovery. Your vacation can become more than simply a vacation. When you eat at a local restaurant, book a tour with a local operator, shop at a Kauai-owned business or hire a local photographer, you’re helping put money directly into the community.
You don’t have to come to Kauai to be a volunteer or participate in disaster relief. You can simply be a considerate visitor and support the businesses and people who make the island what it is.
Spend locally. Be flexible. Respect closures. Give recovery crews room to work. And if a particular attraction isn’t available, discover something else.
That’s the spirit of the message coming from Kauai now.
Kauai is ready to see you again. Kauai is ready to welcome you.