Kauai recovery continues as state parks remain closed after Hurricane Lowell

Recovery efforts continue on Kauai following Hurricane Lowell, though conditions remain uneven across the island. While power has been restored to over 91% of customers, approximately 3,329 residents remain without electricity, with significant damage reported in areas such as Wainiha, Haena, and Kokee.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced that all state lands on Kauai will remain closed ‘into the foreseeable future.’ This includes Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, which house famous overlooks and trails of the Na Pali Coast. Officials described the devastation in Kokee as ‘unreal,’ noting that significant treefall has blocked interior roads and that clearing debris may take many weeks. Power and water have not yet been restored to these park areas.

In isolated communities like Wainiha, residents face ongoing hazards, including trees suspended from power lines. Local nonprofit Na Maka Onaona and various volunteers are providing daily meals to residents as they navigate infrastructure damage and road repairs.