Kaua’i After Hurricane Lowell: A Community Rebuilding with Aloha
There are some things you can photograph. And then there are things you have to feel. Kaua’i has always been one of those places.
The kind of island where the mountains disappear into the clouds, where the ocean seems to stretch endlessly beyond the horizon, and where a simple drive down the coast can make you stop and take it all in.
But today, Kaua’i looks different.
Hurricane Lowell left behind a landscape that is difficult to recognize in places — fallen trees scattered across roads, power lines brought down, homes damaged, businesses forced to close, and coastlines reshaped by powerful ocean swells.
For those of us who call Kaua’i home, it is heartbreaking to see.
This isn’t simply a vacation destination recovering from a storm. This is home.
The Morning After
In the aftermath of Lowell, the Garden Island has been met with an enormous cleanup.
Trees that once lined familiar roads have been uprooted. Power poles and lines have fallen. Roads have been covered with branches, mud, rocks, and debris. Some home shave sustained significant damage, while others have been lost entirely.
And the damage stretches from one end of the island to the other.
The South Shore
Along the South Shore, particularly around Po’ipu, the ocean made its presence known in a powerful way.
Homes and properties near the coastline sustained damage, while sections of the coast were left uncovered in sand, rocks, and debris following powerful surf and storm surge.
Places that are normally filled with our ohana and friends enjoying sunsets, beaches, watching surf breaks, and gathering have instead become areas of cleanup and assessment.
The West Side
Further west, communities including Kekaha and Waimea have also been working through the aftermath.
Residents have been clearing fallen trees and debris from their properties and roads, checking on neighbors and beginning the long process of figuring out what can be repaired and what will need to be rebuilt.
And above the West Side, Koke’e has felt the effects as well.
The roads leading into the mountains have required extensive clearing, while access to parts of Koke’e STate Park and the surrounding areas has been restricted as officials assess conditions and work to make the area safe again.
The North Shore
Then there is the North Shore. The stretch of coastline from Kilauea to Princeville, Hanalei and beyond is one of the places many visitors picture when they think of Kaua’i.
It is also a place deeply woven into the fabric of island life.
Kilauea and the surround North Shore communities have experienced the effects of the storm through downed trees, damaged infrastructure, power disruptions and debris throughout the area.
And then there is Hanalei — one of Kaua’i’s most beloved communities.
The valley, the mountains and the historic town have always felt almost timeless. After Lowell, however, parts of the area have looked dramatically different. Trees have fallen across roads and properties, debris has collected throughout the community, and businesses and residents have faced the difficult work of cleaning up and assessing damage.
For a place so closely associated with the beauty of Kaua’i, seeing Hanalei in the aftermath is especially difficult.
But even here, the same story is unfolding.
Neighbors helping neighbors.
Residents clearing what they can.
Local businesses doing everything possible to reopen.
A community slowly putting itself back together.
When The Lights Go Out
One of the most striking reminders of Lowell’s impact has been the loss of power.
At the height of the storm, much of Kaua’i was without electricity.
For visitors, a power outage might mean an inconvenience. For residents, it can mean something entirely different.
Refrigerators stop working. Families lose access to everyday necessities. Businesses can’t operate. Repairs can’t begin until roads and properties are safe.
And suddenly, something as simple as turning on a light becomes a reminder of just how depending island life is on infrastructure that can be incredibly vulnerable during a major storm.
Utility crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, while road crews, first responders, property owners and volunteers have been tackling the enormous number of debris left behind.
But recovery, isn’t measured in hours.
It is measured in days, weeks, and sometimes months.
The Heart of Kaua’i
And yet, somehow, in the middle of all of this, there is something beautiful happening.
People are showing up. Neighbors are checking on neighbors; Families are helping clear properties.
People are sharing resources, lending a hand, clearing roads, and helping local businesses get back on their feet.
There is something about an island community that is difficult to explain until you witness it.
When something happens to one part of Kaua’i, the rest of the island feels it.
The storm may have knocked trees down, it may have damaged homes, it may have taken businesses offline.
But it did not take away the spirit of the people who live here. That spirit is still standing.
That is the part of Kaua’i I hope visitors remember.
Beyond the waterfalls, beaches and breathtaking views, this is what makes the island special.
It is the aloha between people.
Slowly, The Doors Are Opening Again
Little by little, signs of normal life are beginning to return.
Some restaurants and local businesses are slowly reopening. Some roads are clearing. Crews are making progress.
And behind the scenes, business owners are cleaning repairing, replacing and rebuilding.
For small businesses, reopening isn’t as simple as flipping a sign from closed to open.
Some have lost equipment or inventory.
Some are dealing with property damage.
Some have lost valuable days — or potentially weeks — of income.
So, when you see a local business open its doors again, it is worth remembering what it took to get there.
That first cup of coffee. That first dinner. That first little purchase from a local shop.
It all matters.
As Kaua’i recovers, supporting locally owned businesses will be one of the simplest ways visitors can help the island find its footing again.
If You’re Planning a Trip to Kaua’i
This is the question so many travelers are asking:
Should I cancel my trip?
My answer, as someone who knows and loves this island, is a little more nuanced.
If your trip to Kaua’i is coming up soon, I would strongly consider rescheduling your Kaua’i vacation or choosing another Hawaiian island for this trip.
Not because Kaua’i doesn’t want you.
Quite the opposite.
We want you to experience Kaua’i when the community and our island is ready — when roads are accessible, businesses are ready, trails and parks are safe, and the communities have had time to breathe and rebuild.
If your travel dates are flexible, consider giving Kaua’i some time.
And if you’re already committed to your Hawaii vacation, consider Maui or Big Island instead.
You can still have the beautiful Hawaiian escape you’ve been dreaming about — incredible resorts, beautiful beaches, unforgettable meals, outdoor adventures and that unmistakable feeling of being somewhere special.
Your Hawaii vacation doesn’t have to disappear.
It might simply look a little different.
And If Kaua’i is Your Dream…
Please don’t cross her off your list.
Come later.
Come when the roads are clear and the restaurants are busy again.
Come when the local shops have reopened their doors.
Come when the trails are safe and the island has had time to heal.
And when you do, spend locally.
Eat at the family-owned restaurant.
Buy something from the small shop.
Book the local experience.
Talk story with the person serving your coffee.
Because your visit will be more than a vacation. It will be a small part of helping Kaua’i move forward.
She Will Find Her Way Back
I’ve watched Kaua’i change throughout my life. I’ve watched visitors fall in love with her. I’ve watched people come for a vacation and leave already dreaming about their next visit.
And I’ve watched this community come together when it mattered most.
Hurricane Lowell has changed parts of the island.
Some homes will need to be rebuilt.
Some businesses will tkae time to recover.
Some familiar landscapes may next look exactly the same.
But Kaua’i’s greatest beauty has never been limited to what you see.
It’s in the people.
It’s in the connection.
It’s in the way neighbors show up for one another.
It’s in the aloha that somehow becomes even more visible when things are difficult.
The Garden Island is Hurting Right Now.
But she is also healing; One tree cleared. One road reopened. One business at a time. One home rebuilt. One neighbor helping another. And eventually, one visitor returning.
When that time comes, I hope you’ll come back to Kaua’i.
Not just to see the island.
But to experience the heart that made you fall in love with her in the first place.
with aloha,
Island Living Co.
9 Places & Experiences That Make Kaua’i Feel Like Home
Beyond the beaches and beautiful resorts, these are some of the places and experiences that make Kaua’i feel a little more like home.
There are the places everyone tells you to visit in Kaua’i — and then there are the places you find yourself returning to long after you’ve stopped feeling like a visitor.
After spending years in Hawaii hospitality, I’ve learned that some of the most memorable vacation moments aren’t always the biggest or most elaborate ones. Sometimes it’s a morning coffee, a meal you didn’t expect to love, a quiet beach, or an experience that gives you a different perspective of the island.
So instead of giving you another list of the “top 10 things to do”, I wanted to share a few of the places and experiences that I think help you feel Kaua’i, not just see it.
Start Your Morning at Java Kai
A great Kaua’i morning starts with good coffee, something delicious to eat, and nowhere you need to rush off to.
Java Kai in Kapa’a and Koloa is one of those local favorites that makes a perfect stop before a day of exploring the island. Grab your coffee and breakfast, take your time, and let yourself ease into the morning.
Kapa’a is also a great place to wander afterward — explore the local shops, take in the ocean views, and get a feel for the community.
Spend a Morning Exploring Hanalei
Hanalei is more than a beautiful backdrop for vacation photos. Take your time here.
Explore local shops, grab something to eat, support local businesses, and simply enjoy the scenery. One of my favorite fruit stands called ‘The Aloha Juice Bar’ is a great place to get fresh local fruits, acai bowls, and smoothies! A great place for an Instagram worthy picture. Another great spot is Hanalei Bread Co. they have a great selection of breakfast and brunch!
The North Shore has such a strong connection to community and the ʻĀina, and I think visitors appreciate it most when they slow down enough to experience it rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
Discover a Hidden Luxury Gem at Timbers Kaua’i
This is one I especially want people to know about.
There are so many recognizable resorts in Hawai’i that it’s easy to miss some of the more unique luxury experiences — and Timbers Kaua’i is one of them.
Rather than feeling like a traditional hotel stay, the private residence concept gives you the feeling of having your own luxurious island home.
It’s the kind of place that I think works beautifully for families or travelers who want space, privacy, and a more residential experience while still enjoying the luxury.
Go Mountain Tubing
If you’re looking for something that’s genuinely memorable, add Kaua’i Backcountry Mountain Tubing to your list!
Floating through the historic irrigation canals surrounded by Kaua’is landscape is such a unique experience.
It’s adventurous without requiring you to be an extreme adventurer — and it’s the kind of story your family will still be talking baout afterward.
Follow Your Appetite to Kaua’is Food Trucks
One of my favorite ways to experience Kaua’i is incredibly simple: Follow the food.
Kaua’is food-truck scene is such a fun reflection of the island itself. You’ll find everything from local-style plates and fresh seafood to tacos, Thai, poke, musubi, and creative dishes you might not expect to find on a small island.
Kapa’a is especially fun for food-truck hopping, with several casual spots clustered along Kuhio Highway.
A few places to keep an eye out for include The Musubi Truck Kapa’a and Little Fatties Tacos!
On the South Shore, Old Koloa Town is another great place to explore local food trucks, including Kickshaws, which is known for creative comfort food.
Spend a Friday Night in Hanapepe
If you’re on the West Side on a Friday evening, make your way to historic Hanapepe for Friday Night Art Night.
From 5pm - 8pm, the town comes alive with open galleries, local artisans, musicians, vendors, food, and plenty of people siply wandering the streets and enjoying the evening. It’s been a weekly tradition since 1997.
This is one of those experiences I love recommending because it feels less like a tourist attraction and more like being invited into a local community gathering.
Grab something to eat, browse the galleries, listen to the music, and talk story with the artists!
Experience Old Kapa’a Town After Dark
If your trip happens to line up with the First Saturday of the month, head to the Old Kapa’a Town for the monthly First Saturday Art Walk.
Local artists, food vendors, musicians, craftspeople, and community organizations come together throughout town, while local businesses stay open later.
I love this because it’s another opportunity to experience Kaua’i outside of the resort bubble.
Grab dinner from Fish Bar Deli, listen to live music, browse local art, and take your time walking around town.
It’s casual, lively, and community-driven — and it’s exactly the kind of evening that can make a vacation feel a little more connected to the place you’re visiting.
Watch the Sunset
You don’t need a complicated itinerary for this one.
Choose a beautiful spot, I’d recommend Kekaha Beach or any beach on the South Shore, grab something to eat, and watch the sun go down.
Some of my favorite Hawaii memories aren’t about an activity at all — they’re about who I was with and how I felt in that moment.
Support Local
One of the things I love about Kaua’i is the sense of community.
When you shop at locally owned businesses, eat at local restaurants, visit farmers markets, or purchase something made here, you’re doing more than buying a souvenir.
You’re helping support the people and businesses that make Kaua’i what it is.
Traveling thoughtfully is one of the best ways to show Aloha.
Planning your Kaua’i escape?
I’d love to help you find the right place to stay and create an itinerary that fits your family’s travel style.
Where to Stay on Kaua’i: Finding Your Perfect Home Base
It All Begins Here
Choosing where to stay can completely change the way your Kaua’i vacation feels. Here’s how to find the part of the island that’s right for you.
Kaua’i isn’t just one experience. One of the first questions I hear from people planning a trip to Kaua’i is “Where should we stay?” and it’s a good question.
Kaua’i may be a small island, but each side has its own personality. The lush beauty of the North Shore feels completely different from the Sunny South, and the East side offers convenience and easy access to explore.
After years of working in Hawaii hospitality, I’ve learned that choosing the right place to stay isn’t simply about finding a beautiful hotel. It’s about finding a home base that fits the way you want to experience the island.
So, before you book, let’s look at what each area has to offer.
The North Shore
For lush landscapes, a strong sense of community, and a deeper connection to the ʻĀina.
The North Shore is one of those places that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it. Yes, it’s incredibly beautiful — the mountains, the taro fields, the ocean — but what I love most is the sense of community.
There’s a strong emphasis here on supporting local businesses, caring for the ʻĀina, and preserving what makes this part of Kaua’i so special. You’ll find locally owned shops, restaurants, farmers markets, and people who genuinely care about their community and the land they call home.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to slow down, shop local, eat local, and experience a little more of the countryside of Kaua’i, the North Shore may be exactly what you’re looking for.
My insider take: Don’t come to the Noth Shore expecting to simply check attractions off a list. Give yourself time to slow down. Grab something local, spend an afternoon in Hanalei, take in the mountains, and let the island set the pace.
The South Shore
For sunshine, beautiful beaches, resort days, and an easy family getaway.
If you’re planning your first trip to Kaua’i — especially with kids — the South Shore is often where I tell people to start looking.
Po’ipu gives you that classic vacation feeling: beautiful beaches, sunshine, restaurants nearby, and resorts where you can spend the day without constantly getting in the car.
There’s something to be said for waking up, having breakfast, heading to the beach, coming back for a swim, and ending the evening with dinner nearby. Sometimes a great vacation isn’t about doing more — it’s about making everything feel easy.
My insider take: If your family wants a combination of relaxation, beach time, dining, and activities without feeling like you’re constantly driving around the island, the South Shore is hard to beat.
The East Shore
For convenience, local flavor, and a luxurious gem hiding in plain sight.
The East Shore is often overlooked because it’s easy to think of it simply as the “central” part of Kaua’i. But I think that’s selling it short.
Kapa’a and Wailua give you an easy home base for exploring both the North and South Shores, with plenty of local restaurants, shops, beaches, and everyday island life close by.
But tucked into this side of the island is something many visitors don’t realize: some incredibly special luxury experiences.
One of my favorites is Timbers Kaua’i at Hokuala, a beautiful private-residence community near the Lihu’e area that many visitors have never heard of.
What makes it different is that it doesn’t feel like you’re simply booking another hotel room. You have the feeling of having your own luxurious island residence, with space to settle in and experience Kaua’i at your own pace.
My insider take: Don’t automatically choose your resort based on the side of the island everyone tells you to stay on. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don’t find on the first page of Google.