Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi
Our take
The recent impact of Hurricane Lowell on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of our island communities. While the storm has thankfully passed, the widespread damage—particularly on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau—highlights the vulnerability of our cherished landscapes and the importance of supporting those affected. The closure of Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge and portions of Kaumualiʻi Highway underscores the immediate challenges facing residents and visitors alike. It’s a time for unity and action, a time to remember the spirit of *ʻohana* that defines Hawaiʻi. For those planning future visits, understanding the ongoing recovery efforts is crucial, and exploring other islands like Oʻahu, where the vibrant culinary scene continues to thrive, might be a worthwhile consideration The 5 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots on Oʻahu in 2026. The strength of our community lies in our ability to adapt and support one another, even amidst adversity.
This situation isn't isolated; it speaks to a broader pattern of increased climate volatility impacting island nations worldwide. The intensity of storms, the unpredictability of weather patterns—these are all consequences of a changing climate that demand our attention. We at Hanalei Bay Country Club recognize the responsibility we have to protect the natural beauty that defines our home. This includes actively supporting local organizations involved in disaster relief and advocating for sustainable practices that mitigate future risks. It’s also a time to reflect on the delicate balance between tourism and preservation. While we welcome visitors who appreciate the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, it’s imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our residents and the long-term health of our ecosystems. Exploring the North Shore and understanding the unique character of destinations like The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay A Taste of the North Shore offers a deeper appreciation for the islands, and the importance of protecting them. We believe responsible travel is about more than just enjoying a vacation; it’s about contributing to the sustainability of the places we visit.
The immediate focus must be on providing essential resources to those in need. Power restoration, road repairs, and access to clean water are paramount. Beyond the immediate crisis, however, lies the opportunity to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities. This requires thoughtful planning, investment in infrastructure, and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi Supporting our ʻOhana on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi isn’t just about providing aid; it’s about investing in the future of Hawaiʻi, ensuring that these islands remain a vibrant and thriving place for generations to come. We encourage everyone to consider donating to reputable organizations working on the ground to assist those affected. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Looking ahead, the recovery from Hurricane Lowell will undoubtedly be a long process. It’s a time for reflection, for rebuilding, and for strengthening the bonds that tie our communities together. The experience serves as a critical reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of preparing for future challenges. Will the increased frequency and intensity of such events necessitate a fundamental shift in how we approach coastal development and disaster preparedness in Hawaiʻi, and indeed, across all island nations? The answer, we believe, lies in embracing a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to protecting the precious resources that sustain us.
Hurricane Lowell brought fierce winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf to Hawaiʻi on Monday night, with Kauaʻi and Niʻihau seeing the most severe impacts. By Tuesday morning, the hurricane had moved west of the Islands, leaving widespread damage in its wake.
On Kauaʻi, homes, businesses and roads were damaged, with power outages reported across the island. Flooding and high stream levels forced the closure of Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge, and portions of Kaumualiʻi Highway were also closed as crews began assessing damage.
On Oʻahu’s Leeward Side, Farrington Highway experienced flooding and debris buildup, and the highway was temporarily closed after high surf washed sand onto the roadway.
Lowell comes just over three weeks after Hurricane Lala brought strong winds, torrential rain and widespread flooding to the Islands before weakening to a tropical storm. Lala passed just south of Hawaiʻi Island as a Category 1 hurricane and caused extensive damage in Kaʻū.
There, flooding and landslides damaged homes and roads and disrupted essential services. At least 100 homes in the district were damaged during Lala and hundreds of property damage reports continue to come in.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched our communities support each other by clearing debris, distributing food and water, delivering supplies, and checking on those most affected by the storms. That’s what we do in Hawaiʻi: In times of trouble, we help our neighbors, local businesses and communities.
The community in Kaʻū continues to recover from Hurricane Lala, and families are still in need of basic supplies and assistance. The Hawaiʻi Mutual Aid Network, a grassroots, volunteer-run organization, helps connect donors with local families affected by Lala—and now Lowell. The organization diligently vets individual fundraisers submitted by affected families and community members and compiles them into a public list.
You can view the organization’s list of verified fundraisers here.
Among the most severely affected local businesses is the Punaluʻu Bake Shop, which was still recovering from Lala when Lowell hit. Since 1991, the beloved bakery has been a destination for locals and visitors alike, famed for its pillowy sweet bread. Known as the southernmost bake shop in the U.S., the bakery welcomes up to 200,000 visitors year.
But Hurricane Lala caused extensive damage to the place, including triggering a landslide that buried the property in debris. As the bakery works toward reopening, a GoFundMe account has been set up to provide direct assistance to its employees and their families. Before Lala, the bakeshop employed more than 50 residents, many of whom had spent decades with the business.
Mahalo to all of the volunteers and organizations working behind the scenes to help Hawai‘i recover. Our support systems make us strong, and the actions of those volunteers and organizations are carrying our communities through difficult times.
Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
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