Kauaʻi is shifting into recovery mode following Hurricane Lowell, as crews work to clear roads, restore power and address other impacts across local communities. For travelers with upcoming trips to the island, tourism officials are recommending postponing or adjusting Kauaʻi plans and, when possible, visiting another Hawaiian island rather than canceling a Hawaiʻi vacation altogether.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority said Kauaʻi County and state agencies are prioritizing the health and safety of residents as recovery efforts continue. With local resources focused on immediate community needs, travelers planning to visit Kauaʻi are being encouraged to reschedule their stays or consider shifting their itineraries elsewhere in the state.
“Our hope is that visitors will adjust their travel plans instead of canceling their trip to Hawai‘i altogether,” Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, said. “Adjusting your itinerary allows you to continue your Hawaiʻi vacation while supporting the state’s broader visitor economy as Kauaʻi recovers.”
Travelers changing plans should contact their airline, hotel or vacation rental and other travel providers directly to determine what options are available.
Several major airlines have also extended flexible policies for travel involving Līhuʻe Airport (LIH).
American Airlines is waiving change fees for eligible passengers scheduled to travel to, through or from Līhuʻe from Sept. 6-11. Tickets must have been purchased by Sept. 4, and eligible travelers can rebook for travel through Sept. 16, provided they keep the same origin and destination and rebook in the same cabin or pay any applicable difference.
Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver for Līhuʻe travel from Sept. 8-15 due to airport infrastructure issues. Eligible passengers can change their flights without an additional cost, with travel changes made within the airline’s rebooking window through Sept. 18.
United Airlines is offering flexibility for Līhuʻe flights originally scheduled from Sept. 6-15 for tickets purchased by Sept. 5. Eligible passengers can reschedule without change fees or fare differences for United flights departing through Sept. 20, subject to cabin and city-pair requirements.
Southwest Airlines has warned that scheduled Līhuʻe service from Sept. 7-11 may face delays or cancellations because of operational challenges following the storm. Eligible travelers can rebook or fly standby within 14 days of their original travel date between the same city pairs without paying a fare difference. Passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed may also qualify for a refund if they choose not to travel.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are offering one of the longer flexible-travel windows, covering eligible Līhuʻe trips originally scheduled from Sept. 6-20. Tickets must have been purchased by Sept. 5, and qualifying passengers can move travel through Sept. 23 without a fare difference when rebooking in the same cabin. Eligible travelers may also cancel under the airlines’ exception policy.
Travelers should continue monitoring their flight status and check directly with airlines, accommodations and other providers before making changes. Those with near-term Kauaʻi plans should also be prepared for recovery efforts to continue even as transportation and visitor services resume.
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority said it plans to provide additional travel guidance as more information becomes available about Kauaʻi’s recovery progress.
