Hawaii officials urge tourists to skip Kauai as island rebuilds after Hurricane Lowell

Key points

• Officials recommend tourists visit other Hawaiian islands but avoid Kauai during its recovery phase.
• Hurricane Lowell struck as a Category 2 storm, causing widespread power outages and infrastructure damage.
• Local businesses, such as The Musubi Truck, are donating generators and serving free meals to residents.
• A strong El Niño is driving an above-normal hurricane season in the central Pacific.
• Other islands, like Oahu and the Big Island, experienced separate weather events including flooding and heavy rain.

Background

Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii in early September 2026, leaving approximately 80% of Kauai without power and causing significant structural damage, including a home split in half and an oceanfront restaurant destroyed. The storm followed a pattern of Pacific storms linked to a strong El Niño, which NOAA noted could become the strongest on record. Earlier coverage highlighted the severity of the impact, including a rogue wave that nearly knocked over a weather forecaster and one death reported on Oahu, though its link to the storm was not confirmed.

How outlets are covering it

AP News emphasizes the official recommendation to avoid Kauai and highlights community resilience, such as Kelly Kakalia donating generators and serving free meals. The Guardian focuses on the meteorological context, noting the first-ever tornado watch in Hawaii’s history and the role of El Niño in driving an active hurricane season. Big Island Now provides a localized perspective on the Big Island, reporting a flood advisory for eastern and southeastern portions due to excessive rainfall, indicating that weather impacts varied across the islands.

Why it matters

The situation highlights the vulnerability of Hawaii’s tourism-dependent economy to climate-driven weather events. The decision to pause tourism on Kauai reflects a priority on local recovery and resource allocation, such as power and water, over immediate economic gains. This approach may influence future tourism policies in the face of increasing extreme weather events linked to El Niño.

What to watch

Kauai is expected to continue its recovery, with local businesses and residents focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring power. Other Hawaiian islands may see continued tourism, but weather conditions could change, potentially affecting travel plans. The broader impact of El Niño on the Pacific hurricane season may lead to further weather events in the coming months.