Kauai After Hurricane Lowell: A Local Perspective on Recovery and How to Help

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but recovery is still uneven. In this episode, I’m joined by Meghann Kealoha Matsuda, a lifelong Kauai resident, entrepreneur, and community organizer who has been directly involved in recovery efforts on the island. We talk about what things actually look like on the ground right now, which areas are reopening, where visitors still need to be cautious, and what people with upcoming Kauai trips should know before they go. Meghann also shares how local businesses are being affected, what visitors can do to support the community, and how people on the mainland can help even if they are not traveling to Kauai right now. If you have a Kauai trip coming up in the next few weeks or months, this conversation will give you a local perspective on what recovery looks like and how to visit with more awareness and flexibility. In this episode, you’ll learn: - What Kauai’s recovery looks like right now - Which areas are reopening and where visitors should use caution - What to know if you have a Kauai trip coming up - How local businesses are being affected - Ways visitors can support recovery efforts - How to help local businesses from the mainland ***Official sources:*** - https://www.gohawaii.com/lowell - https://kauairecovers.org ***Today's guest:*** - Connect with Megann on Instagram ***Resources mentioned:*** - Kamalama Foundation _ ***Related episodes:*** - How to Plan Hawaii in the Right Order - Why Planning Your 2026 Hawaii Trip Feels Chaotic - Kauai Travel Update _ ***Related articles:*** - Hawaii Travel Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book - How Many Days Do You Need In Hawaii? _ ***Chapters:*** - 1:41 Kauai Hurricane Update - 1:15 Meet Megan Kealoha Matsuda - 2:46 Damage and Closures Update - 3:44 Why East Side Matters - 5:21 Redefining Tourism Through Service - 7:31 Tips for Upcoming Trips - 9:01 Helping Local Businesses Fund - 13:29 Final Takeaways and Next Episode _ **Episode sponsored by Terraformation.** Terraformation is restoring a native Hawaiian forest at ʻIole in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island). Your support helps native trees grow from seed to canopy. As the forest takes root, it helps restore habitat and protect Hawaiʻi’s water and reefs. 🌳 **Help grow the forest:** hawaii.startaforest.com Use promo code **BEST** for 15% off your first month or first year. _ 🌴 Plan Your Hawaii Trip With Bryan About Your Host: Bryan Murphy is the founder of Hawaii’s Best Travel & a Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawaii Tourism Authority, since 2020. An HVCB member since 2019, he helps first-time & repeat visitors plan respectful Hawaii vacations w/ clear, practical advice & cultural insight. - Connect on Instagram - Hawaii Planning Facebook Group - Free Hawaii travel tips & guides at hawaiisbesttravel.com 🤝 To sponsor the show visit hawaiisbesttravel.com/partner Hawaii travel podcast helps you plan a trip to Hawaii with clarity. Discover practical travel tips, island itineraries, & local insight to help you explore Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island. *Edge of the Ocean (w/ permission)* Ukulele and Chill (w/ permission) Talk Story (w/ permission)