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Hawaii Declares Emergency as Hurricane Lowell Nears Kauai

9/6/2026

Summary

Governor Declares Emergency

Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency as Hurricane Lowell approached Hawaii.
The National Weather Service warned Lowell could bring storm surge, high winds and heavy rain next week.
Lowell reached Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds on Sept. 4 before weakening to Category 4.
Forecasters expect Lowell to turn northward, passing 100–200 miles west of Kauai on Monday night.
Storm surge could raise water 1–3 feet in Kauai County and about 1 foot in Oahu.

Summary

Hawaiian Suspends Flights

Hawaiian Airlines suspended all flights to and from Hilo International Airport because of Hurricane Lowell.
Southwest Airlines kept normal operations while continuously evaluating weather and local conditions.
Hawaiian, Alaska and Southwest granted fee-free flight changes for Sep 6-8 under Lowell-specific waivers.
U.S. carriers’ flexible policies let passengers cancel or modify itineraries without penalties, easing tourist and business losses.

Summary

Kauai Prepares

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Karina is weakening toward a post-tropical depression northeast of Hawaii.
Hurricane Marie has 90 mph winds and will weaken to a tropical storm then a post-tropical depression west of Baja California.
Kauai Emergency Management identified five refuge centers including Kilauea Neighborhood Center and Kapaa Middle School.
Six high-water vehicles are being pre-positioned to Kauai under the state’s emergency proclamation.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Hurricane Iniki, the most powerful storm to hit Hawaii, struck Kauai as a Category 4 hurricane, causing $3.1 billion in damage. The disaster prompted Governor John Waihee to declare a state of emergency, leading to a permanent emergency-management framework and airline fee-free rebooking policies that now apply to storms such as Hurricane Lowell.

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Governor Declares Emergency

Governor Josh Green declared a statewide emergency as Hurricane Lowell approached Hawaii.
The National Weather Service warned Lowell could bring storm surge, high winds and heavy rain next week.
Lowell reached Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds on Sept. 4 before weakening to Category 4.
Forecasters expect Lowell to turn northward, passing 100–200 miles west of Kauai on Monday night.
Storm surge could raise water 1–3 feet in Kauai County and about 1 foot in Oahu.

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