Kauai Is Welcoming Visitors Back. But Are Travelers Returning?

Kauai is welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Lowell, but travelers have been much slower to return. In this episode, I break down what the latest passenger numbers actually show, why they should not be confused with official visitor counts, and what this next stage of recovery means for local businesses and anyone with a Kauai trip coming up. I also cover what’s currently open, which major parks and outdoor areas remain closed, the latest guidance for visitors, and why supporting businesses that are ready to welcome you can make a difference right now. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why direct passenger traffic into Lihue is still well below last year - What the latest numbers do and do not tell us about Kauai tourism - What’s open and what remains closed - What to know if you’re visiting Kauai soon - Why Kauai’s recovery has entered a new phase - How visitors can support local businesses while respecting areas still recovering If you missed my recent conversation with Meghann Kealoha Matsuda about what recovery and reopening look like on the ground, go back and listen to that episode for additional local perspective. Conditions can change quickly, so always confirm current information before your trip. 🤙 Has the podcast been helpful for you? Please leave a review — even one sentence helps! Consider including your social media handle so I can thank you personally! Full show notes available here. ***Related Episode:*** - Meghann Kealoha Matsuda _ ***Related Article:*** - Ways to Help the People of Kauai _ ***Chapters:*** - 1:19 What’s Open Now - 2:29 Visitor Numbers - 3:56 The Awkward Recovery Phase - 5:05 Closures and Trip Planning - 5:45 Should You Still Go? - 6:30 Traveler Frustrations - 7:38 Ocean Safety Warning - 8:11 Where Kauai Stands Now _ **Help Your Hawaii Travel Friends Plan a Better Trip...** If you enjoy Hawaii’s Best, follow the podcast in whatever app you’re listening on so you don’t miss the next episode. And if you know someone planning a Hawaii trip, send them this episode. I think this is a conversation worth hearing before they go. **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. - Let's connect on Instagram - Join the Visiting Hawaii Facebook Group - Grab 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)