After being hit by Hurricane Lowell at the start of September 2026, Kauaʻi initially asked tourists to stay away in order not to hinder its recovery. Now that a couple of weeks have passed since the disaster, the Hawaiian island and its small businesses in particular are urging visitors to come back and support the economy.
In the days after Hurricane Lowell, Kauaʻi was faced with a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, crews needed space and resources to clear fallen trees and utility poles, restore electricity, and repair storm-damaged roads. On the other hand, the Hawaiian economy heavily relies on tourism. Those who had plans to visit the island were thus asked to reconsider their plans – not by cancelling entirely but by opting for a different Hawaiian destination.
🚨💔 Hurricane Lowell brought powerful winds, heavy rain, dangerous surf & destructive flooding to Kauaʻi on Sept. 8.
— World Animal News (@WorldAnimalNews) September 9, 2026
In Poʻipū, massive waves damaged homes & buckled sections of Lawai Road.
Our prayers are with the people & animals of Kauaʻi. 🙏🌺
🎥 @nikkischen pic.twitter.com/XOjW8Jvg2D
Initially, many small business concentrated their efforts on either saving their assets or helping their community in whichever way possible. After weeks of clearing and damage repair, however, the consequences of the lack of tourists is becoming increasingly clear. Business owners are forced to let go most of their work force due to a lack of footfall, a situation that could quickly escalate and destabilise the island’s entire community.
In an article for The Associated Press, Gabriela Aoun Angueira interviews multiple small business owners about the consequences of the hurricane and the associated lack of tourists on their situation.
“Now that power and water is being restored, we should start to switch the narrative before many of us go out of business. People are canceling their trips in November,” warned Kelly Kakalia, co-owner of The Musubi Truck.
While some regions on the island are still considered a no-go zone as the damage done by Hurricane Lowell remains great, many other parts of Kauaʻi are slowly recovering and are ready to reopen their doors to sympathetic tourists.
“We are still recovering from Hurricane Lowell, so come with patience. Some parks and areas remain closed, and we are telling visitors to avoid areas like Wainiha and Hāʻena for now. Check with your accommodations and activity providers before you arrive. The best way to help is to spend local. Eat, shop, and book with our small businesses. Every dollar makes a difference,” Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami said in an Instagram post.
Although Hawaii Governor Josh Green has requested an expedited federal disaster declaration, which could unlock low-interest Small Business Administration loans, President Donald Trump has not yet approved the request. At the moment, small businesses’ best bet is thus to take up their usual pace once again, which might allow them to partially make up for the damage done by the hurricane.
Tourists wanting to support Kauaʻi can do so in several ways. Visiting the island, while keeping in mind that things have not yet gone back too normal, is one way. Those looking to do so are urged to get in touch with their travel agent or local accommodation in order to know what exactly might be possible.
Shopping locally, whether it is in person, online, or by purchasing gift certificates, is another great way to boost the local economy. Last but not least, tourists can also sign up to volunteer and help the island get back on its feet.
