When Hurricane Lowell slammed into Kauaʻi in early September, the island made a tough call. Officials asked travelers to postpone their trips, not cancel them outright, so crews could clear debris, restore power, and patch up battered roads. It was the right move at the time. But now, weeks later, the silence from the tourism sector is becoming deafening.
Small businesses, the lifeblood of Kauaʻi's communities, are feeling the squeeze. With visitor numbers down, many have had to let staff go. The fear is that without a steady flow of travelers, the island's economy could spiral, affecting everyone from surf instructors to farmers market vendors.
“Now that power and water is being restored, we should start to switch the narrative before many of us go out of business. People are canceling their trips in November,” Kelly Kakalia, co-owner of The Musubi Truck, told the Associated Press.
Recovery Is Underway, But Not Everywhere
Kauaʻi is a big island, and the storm didn't hit all of it equally. While some areas remain off-limits, like Wainiha and Hāʻena, much of the island is slowly getting back to normal. Beaches are reopening, shops are dusting off their shelves, and the aloha spirit is very much alive.
Mayor Derek Kawakami has been clear about what visitors should expect. “We are still recovering from Hurricane Lowell, so come with patience. Some parks and areas remain closed, and we are telling visitors to avoid areas like Wainiha and Hāʻena for now. Check with your accommodations and activity providers before you arrive. The best way to help is to spend local. Eat, shop, and book with our small businesses. Every dollar makes a difference,” he said in an Instagram post.
How Travelers Can Make a Real Difference
If you're thinking about a trip to Kauaʻi, don't cancel. Instead, plan smart. Reach out to your hotel or vacation rental to confirm what's open. Book tours and activities directly with local operators. And when you're on the ground, eat at food trucks, buy from roadside stands, and pick up souvenirs from independent shops.
Can't make it in person? You can still help. Many businesses sell gift certificates online, which is a great way to inject cash now and give yourself a reason to visit later. Or, if you're feeling extra generous, consider volunteering. Organizations like Kauaʻi Recovers are coordinating relief efforts and welcome helping hands.
The federal government hasn't yet approved a disaster declaration that would unlock low-interest loans for small businesses, so for now, the island is relying on visitors to keep things afloat. It's a delicate balance, but one that travelers can tip in the right direction.
Kauaʻi has always been a place that rewards the curious. The island's beauty is undeniable, but its resilience is even more impressive. By visiting now, you're not just getting a vacation. You're helping a community rebuild. And that's a story worth being part of.
For more on how the island initially handled the crisis, check out our earlier piece on Kauaʻi's initial request for travelers to hold off. And if you're planning a longer Pacific getaway, you might also be interested in this story about a train route returning to the Nordic North.
