Kauai State Parks Reopen Following Hurricane Recovery
DLNR officials restored access to Kokeʻe and Waimea Canyon parks on Nov. 7, though half of the historic cabins sustained damage during the September storm.
By Grace Almasi ·
Two months after Hurricane Lowell struck Kauai, the Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened Kokeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks. The parks opened to visitors at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, ending a closure that had kept the area off limits since the storm hit on Sept. 7.
Access is now available for all state parks, lookouts, and restrooms located between Waimea Canyon Lookout and Pihea. However, the Department noted that some visitor services remain limited during this initial phase of reopening. The Kōkeʻe Lodge Restaurant and the Kōkeʻe Museum are not expected to return to service until next week at the earliest.
Hikers can once again access several major routes, including the Nuʻalolo, Waimea Canyon, Iliau Nature Loop, and Pihea trails. The Awaʻawapuhi Trail is open, but only to the first mile marker. Other areas, such as the Kohua Ridge, Poʻomau Canyon, Kawaikoi Stream, and Kuilau trails, remain closed as crews continue their work.
The hurricane caused extensive damage to the region, knocking down trees and power lines while blocking roads and damaging the parks’ water system. DLNR officials estimate that about half of the historic recreational cabins suffered damage, with impacts ranging from moderate to complete destruction.
State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter described the scene as shocking to see. "The amount of devastation to the forest landscape and our parks was shocking to see," Carpenter said. While the Kōkeʻe campground remains closed for planned upgrades, DLNR crews are currently assessing remaining damage and planning additional repairs for the affected forestry areas.
