hawaiinewsnow.com reported that about a month after Hurricane Lowell struck the southern coast of Kauaʻi, well-known resort beaches that are typically crowded with sunbathers are now empty while clean-up operations proceed. The storm surge breached properties, flooding interior spaces and leaving extensive damage that continues to disrupt local tourism and business operations.
Heavy Machinery Clears Pools at Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort
Heavy equipment is being operated by personnel at the Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort in Poʻipū to clear sand out of an empty swimming pool. The property remains surrounded by orange construction fencing and features stacked white folding chairs in cordoned-off areas. Footage recorded during the severe weather by a visiting CBS News team revealed massive waves breaching the grounds, surging into the hotel, and inundating the lobby, interior courtyard, and fitness center. The Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort’s booking portal currently shows no reservations available until early December.
Vacation Rentals Face Catastrophic Structural Impacts
Just adjacent to the Sheraton, a row of oceanfront vacation rentals suffered catastrophic impacts from the storm surge. Floodwaters drove kitchen appliances all the way across one damaged apartment, filling the living quarters with debris, mud, sand, and broken furniture. Shari Olson, who manages vacation and long-term rental properties on the island, noted the scale of destruction. “It’s going to take a lot of time and a lot of money to restore the property,” Olson said, describing the scene as overwhelming. The Kiahuna Plantation management reported damage to 17 units, including 10 oceanfront condos. According to management, bungalows located away from the ocean reopened on Thursday, although the fate of the oceanfront properties remains unclear because of permit complications.
South Shore Residents Balance Damage With Quiet
Local residents and business operators are grappling with the destruction while observing shifts in the island’s daily rhythm. “It is kind of shocking. I’m used to it being very pristine,” Olson said, adding that it is encouraging to see many hands trying to put the island back together. While the drop in tourism strains local businesses, some residents note an unexpected sense of quiet across the south shore. “To be honest, this is the second-best thing that happened since COVID,” said Joshua Smazik of ʻŌmaʻo. “It got everybody away and the island time to breathe.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recovery
When did Hurricane Lowell strike the south shore of Kauaʻi?
The storm impacted the island nearly a month prior to current recovery efforts, bringing powerful waves and a storm surge that breached coastal properties.
How many units at Kiahuna Plantation sustained damage?
Management reported that 17 units were damaged, which includes 10 oceanfront condos. Non-oceanfront backside bungalows reopened on a Thursday, while oceanfront units face an uncertain timeline due to permit issues.
When is the Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort scheduled to reopen for guests?
The resort’s booking portal indicates that no reservations are available until early December as heavy machinery and crews continue clearing sand and repairing flooded areas.
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