Tourists Are Being Asked to Stay Away From Kauai Right Now After Hurricane Damage

If you have a vacation to Kauai coming up, you may need to revise your plans. Hawaii tourism officials are now asking travelers to stay away from the island while it recovers from Hurricane Lowell.

The storm brought strong winds, large waves, and flooding to many parts of Kauai earlier this week. Many roads were damaged, and thousands are still without power.

Several oceanfront hotels have been flooded, parks and swimming areas are closed, and travelers are facing roadblocks around the island and delays at Lihue Airport.

Visitors who have booked vacations are being asked to move their plans to another island for now.

Kauai Needs Time to Clean Up

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According to the County of Kauai, crews had completed approximately 231 early damage inspections by Sept. 10. At least seven homes were destroyed, while 54 others had major damage.

Many areas are also experiencing flooding on roads, downed trees, along with broken traffic lights and utility poles.

The county asked people to stay off the roads unless necessary. All county and state parks were closed, and an islandwide brown water advisory warned people to avoid water that may contain sewage, chemicals or debris.

Some Hotels Are Canceling Reservations

The Associated Press reported that Ko’a Kea Resort in Poipu is offering refunds to guests who need to cancel. The hotel hopes to return to normal operations within two weeks.

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort did not have structural damage, but it closed Thursday because it was still waiting for power. The resort hopes to reopen once electricity is restored.

You Can Move Your Trip to Another Island

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is asking visitors to reschedule Kauai vacations or choose another Hawaiian island instead. Travelers should contact their airline, hotel and tour companies to discuss their options.

Lihue Airport reopened on Sept. 8, but some operations may still be limited. Passengers should check their flights before leaving and expect check-in to take longer than usual.

Anyone planning a trip should keep checking the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kauai County websites for updates.