Full Breakdown
Hurricane Lowell Leaves Kauai Reeling, Prompting Tourism Advisories
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Impact on Kauai
Hurricane Lowell passed west of the Hawaiian archipelago in the early hours of September 7, 2026, delivering sustained winds of about 110 mph and gusts over 80 mph on Kauai. The storm’s surge ripped apart oceanfront resorts, flooded hotel lobbies, and knocked down trees and power poles across the south shore and north-west highways. Power outages affected most of the island’s 73,000 residents—Governor Josh Green said roughly 84 % of customers remained without electricity, while KIUC reported nearly 92 % of its members were without power.
Two deaths were confirmed: a 74-year-old man recovered near Po‘ipu Beach and a homeless man on Oahu whose tent was struck by a falling tree. The governor estimated damages will exceed $400 million, surpassing the cost of the August Lala storm.
Timeline of the Storm
- September 7 – Forecasts warned Lowell could brush the western islands; officials began shelter-in-place orders.
- September 8 – Peak rainfall hit Kauai’s mountains (up to 18 in.), wind gusts topped 80 mph, and KIUC reported widespread outages. The governor toured damage and urged federal assistance.
- September 10 – Assessments confirmed extensive road blockage, continued power restoration, and the storm’s downgrade to a tropical storm moving westward.
Data and Statistics
- Power outages: 84 % of customers; 92 % of KIUC members; 33,000 homes without power.
- Deaths: Two confirmed fatalities.
- Rainfall: Up to 18 in. on high elevations.
- Economic impact: Damage estimates > $400 million.
- Tourism: Kauai accounts for roughly 40 % of island jobs; tourism drives a large share of Hawaii’s nearly 10 million annual visitors.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Josh Green asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for Kauai and Maui counties.
Caroline Anderson, interim president of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, urged travelers to “adjust their itinerary” rather than cancel.
Derek Kawakami, mayor of Kauai County, ordered residents to shelter in place and praised emergency management preparations.
Mufi Hannemann, retired tourism executive, warned that the island’s greatest needs are food, electricity, and gas, and that visitors should only come if providing relief or visiting family.
Elton Ushio, administrator of the Kauai emergency-management agency, cautioned that “as the light comes up and the extent of the damage … we want to ensure that no additional emergency situations arise unnecessarily.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Local resident Chris White noted many properties still had running water and functional bathrooms, urging visitors to verify conditions with owners.
Kelly Kakalia, co-owner of The Musubi Truck, said her staff served nearly 600 free meals using generators and donated generators to families still without electricity.
Food-truck operator Jeff Tucker observed unusually long lines at gas stations, describing the scene as “some degree of panic.”
What’s Next
Governor Green’s disaster declaration request is pending federal approval. Crews from California Edison, Hawaiian Electric, and the Department of Transportation are clearing debris and restoring power; the most isolated areas may wait up to a month for electricity. The state will provide hotel rooms or vacation-rental spaces for displaced residents. No further landfall is expected, and the storm continues westward as a tropical storm.
