Hurricane Lowell leaves extensive damage and power outages on Kauai

Hurricane Lowell passed west of Kauai and Niihau on Tuesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and high surf. County officials reported at least two deaths linked to the storm – one on Kauai, likely from storm surge, and another on Oahu after a tree fell.

Assessments on Kauai show downed trees, debris and power outages affecting more than 15,000 customers. The storm damaged residential properties, displaced large rocks onto highways and beaches, and destroyed several boats at the Port Allen harbor, while the Waimea Pier was largely washed away.

The South Shore suffered severe damage, with multiple oceanfront homes near Baby Beach in Poipu reported destroyed. Beachfront hotels and restaurants, including the Sheraton Kauai Resort, Koa Kea Resort, Beach House Restaurant and Lawai Beach Resort, sustained damage, and road access was cut as asphalt was torn from the surface.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority advised travelers with upcoming plans to Kauai to reschedule or consider visiting another island.

Local business owner Mindy Hibbitt, who runs a shave-ice stand at Lawai Beach Resort, said her shack was lifted by a wave and deposited in a lagoon, describing the loss as total. She is awaiting an insurance adjuster and has set up a GoFundMe campaign to fund rebuilding.

Nearby restaurant Brennecke’s reported interior damage limited to sand infiltration, but its loading dock and parking area remain flooded, and the adjacent road is blocked by debris. Management expressed intent to reopen as soon as road access is restored.

Lowell follows a series of storms that have battered Hawaii this year, including March kona lows, Hurricane Lala in August and Tropical Storm Moke, all of which caused flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage across the islands.