On Tuesday, September 15, Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) issued a Kauai travel update. The advice is nuanced based on whether tourists are already on island or have upcoming plans. Here is their current recommendations:
Visitors currently on Kauai:
If you are already on the island, please be aware that recovery will continue throughout the coming days and weeks. Pockets of the island remain closed or have limited services during this period. Travelers should avoid restricted or heavily impacted areas, follow all county and emergency instructions, treat every dark traffic light as a four-way stop and expect evolving conditions. Supporting nearby restaurants, shops and activities that are able to operate can make a meaningful difference for the families and businesses navigating this recovery period.
Visitors with upcoming Kauai plans:
Recovery work is steadily progressing. If you plan to visit Kauai, contact your accommodations directly to confirm conditions and available amenities, and check with providers to make sure your planned activities are available. Visitors should also understand that some areas of the island are still in recovery and restoration mode. Always check with your concierge or activity provider to ensure you are not entering an affected area.
Adjusting your plans, when appropriate, allows Kauai to prioritize community needs while still enabling you to enjoy your Hawaii vacation.
Additionally, the HTA wrote, “As the residents of Kauai have long shared their aloha with visitors, we kindly ask that visitors embrace this same spirit — showing understanding, patience and respect for the process Kauai’s communities are going through.”
For the most up-to-date advice about visiting Kauai during this recovery phase, please continue to check gohawaii.com/lowell.
Sheila Beal
