Kauai parks reopen after hurricane
Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks resumed operations on Nov. 7, two months after Hurricane Lowell caused extensive damage to the island.
By Harper Collins ·
Kauai’s Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks reopened on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 a.m., ending a two month closure triggered by Hurricane Lowell.
The storm struck on Sept. 7, felling trees and power lines, blocking roads, and damaging the water systems serving the parks. Department of Land and Natural Resources officials estimated that roughly half of the historic recreational cabins sustained damage, with impacts ranging from moderate to total destruction.
State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter described the scene after the storm, stating, “The amount of devastation to the forest landscape and our parks was shocking to see.”
All state parks, lookouts, and restrooms between Waimea Canyon Lookout and Pihea are now accessible, though some visitor services remain limited. The Kokee Lodge Restaurant and Kokee Museum are not expected to return to service until next week.
Several hiking trails have also reopened, including the Nualolo, Waimea Canyon, Iliau Nature Loop, and Pihea trails. The Awawapuhi Trail is open only to the first mile marker. The Kokee campground remains closed as planned upgrades resume, and DLNR crews continue assessing damage in other areas.
Kohua Ridge, Poʻomau Canyon, Kawaikoi Stream, and Kuilau trails also remain closed while repairs continue.
