What to Know About Traveling to Kauaʻi

As the island continues to recover, visitors are reminded to travel with aloha.

Over the past year, we’ve watched communities across Hawaiʻi rally together through hurricanes and tropical storms. Individuals and organizations have cleared debris, distributed food and water and delivered much-needed supplies. Recovery efforts are ongoing in some of the most affected areas, but those communities are not alone.

Helping our neighbors, local businesses and communities is something many of us in Hawaiʻi learn from an early age.

More than a month has passed since Hurricane Lowell struck Kauaʻi, and officials say the island is ready to welcome back mindful travelers.

Although recovery will take more time, most accommodations, restaurants, shops, tours and activities have reopened, though some with limited staffing or services. Travelers are encouraged to support locally owned businesses and approach their visits with patience, understanding, respect and aloha as residents and communities heal and rebuild. Officials suggest that travelers confirm their reservations and activities directly with providers, and follow all official travel and safety advisories.

Visit openkauai.org for a directory of open businesses and updates.

Kauaʻi is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Nicknamed the Garden Isle, it’s beloved for its verdant valleys and breathtaking Nāpali Coast. It’s also home to some of the best hidden gems and mom and pop spots, from lilikoʻi chiffon pie in Hānāpepe to saimin in Līhuʻe.

READ MORE: 48 Things We Love About Kauaʻi 

Openings and Closures: 

• Hāʻena State Park: The park reopened on Oct. 15 after a monthlong closure because of Hurricane Lowell. Day hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Hanakāpīʻai Falls has resumed. Overnight camping and hiking beyond the 2-mile point on the Kalalau Trail remains closed until further notice. Check the official park website before visiting.
• Wailua River State Park: River access and access to the designated trailhead are open, with restrictions. Individual kayakers are not permitted access to Fern Grotto, and hiking beyond the trailhead and access to Uluwehi Falls remain closed.
• Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks: Both remain closed until further notice.
• Camping: All camping in Kauaʻi’s state parks remains closed. Check official park notices for updates before planning a visit.
• Roads: Crews continue to clear debris and repair roads and bridges. Always follow official advisories.
• Brown Water Advisories: Heavy rain and runoff can carry mud, debris, bacteria and other contaminants into the ocean. Even when the weather improves, water conditions can remain unsafe. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises beachgoers to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially near streams, drainage outlets and areas affected by runoff. More information and water quality updates can be found on the Department of Health’s environmental portal. 

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.