Tourism officials in Hawaii are advising travelers to delay visits to Kauai as the island continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Lowell. The storm, which struck earlier this week, brought strong winds and high waves that damaged oceanfront resorts, disrupted power, and caused road closures. Kauai, known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, is now working to restore normalcy after the storm. As of late Thursday, thousands of residents and visitors remained without electricity, and long lines formed at the island’s main airport as people attempted to leave. Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, encouraged visitors to consider adjusting their travel plans instead of canceling their trips entirely. She emphasized that changing itineraries could allow tourists to continue their Hawaiian vacation while helping support the local economy as Kauai recovers. Although Kauai receives only a small portion of Hawaii’s nearly 10 million annual visitors, tourism remains the island’s main economic driver, accounting for about 40% of jobs. The hurricane caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, homes, and resorts. In some areas, water flooded hotel lobbies and knocked over furniture, while fallen trees led to two fatalities—one on Kauai and another on Oahu. In response, Governor Josh Green has asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster to speed up federal aid for Kauai and Maui counties. Some resorts, like the Ko‘a Kea Resort in Poipu, are offering refunds to guests who had to cancel their stays, while others, like the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, expect to resume normal operations within two weeks once power is restored. Despite the damage, some residents are emphasizing that much of the island was spared major harm. Chris White, a lifelong Kauai resident and property owner, noted that many areas remained unaffected and encouraged potential visitors to check with their accommodations for updates. Meanwhile, local businesses like The Musubi Truck, a food truck owned by Kelly Kakalia, are focusing on community support over immediate economic concerns. After serving hundreds of free meals to those affected by the storm, Kakalia donated her generators to families still without power, highlighting the importance of community over commerce during the recovery process.