September 28–October 4, 2026

Aloha from Kauaʻi! The island heads into the first week of October with improving conditions after Hurricane Nolo passed well south of the main Hawaiian Islands, but recovery from Hurricane Lowell is still very much part of daily life. There are no tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings in effect for Kauaʻi as the week begins, and Nolo is no longer expected to bring heavy rain to the island. The main weather concerns are lingering rough surf early in the week and an increase in showers Tuesday through Friday.

This is also a lively community week, with farmers markets, Hawaiian culture and science exhibits, free hula, local art, the Kauaʻi Museum courtyard market, and a big Saturday lineup that includes the Kauaʻi Brewers Festival and ALOHA Kauaʻi Yoga & Peace Festival.

Weather & Ocean Outlook

Monday will be warm and breezy, with coastal highs generally in the 80s and scattered showers possible around the island. Winds should ease as Hurricane Nolo continues away from Hawaiʻi. Kauai Now

The more important weather window arrives Tuesday through Friday. Moist tropical air associated with Nolo is expected to move over Kauaʻi, increasing clouds and showers. The best chance for more persistent rainfall appears to be late Tuesday into Wednesday, particularly along south- and southeast-facing slopes. Keep outdoor plans flexible midweek and check the morning forecast before committing to a long hike or beach day. Kauai Now

Ocean conditions also deserve extra attention early this week. Swells from Nolo are affecting exposed east- and south-facing shores and can produce dangerous surf and rip currents. East-side surf should gradually decline Monday through Wednesday, while south- and southwest-facing surf may remain elevated Monday and Tuesday and could reach advisory levels in some areas.

Hurricane Recovery Notes Visitors Should Know

Kauaʻi is now three weeks into recovery from Hurricane Lowell. Power has been restored to Wainiha and Hāʻena, although outages remain in Kōkeʻe and scattered locations. Kōkeʻe restoration is expected to take longer because of extensive damage.

Several popular outdoor destinations remain unavailable. Kōkeʻe Road is still closed, and Waimea Canyon Trail, Puʻu Ki-Waialae Trail, Kukui Trail and Koaiʻe Canyon Trail remain closed. No campgrounds or shelters are open in the affected forest areas.

At Wailua River State Park, kayaking is permitted on the river to the designated landing area and trailhead, but hiking beyond the trailhead remains prohibited and Uluwehi Falls, commonly called Secret Falls, remains closed. Individual kayakers are not currently allowed at the Fern Grotto landing.

Brown-water advisories remain in effect at Waimea Bay Landing, Waiʻoli Beach Park, Niumalu Beach Park and the Poʻipū Beach pavilion area. If the water is brown or murky, stay out. Health officials recommend avoiding affected water for 48–72 hours after heavy rain has stopped and the beach has received full sunshine.

Community Events This Week

Monday — Anahola Farmers Market

The Anahola Farmers Market runs Monday from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Anahola Marketplace. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, teas, local art and handmade products while supporting farmers and small businesses. Kaua‘i Festivals & Events

Tuesday — Kaulele Hawaiian Culture & Science Exhibits

Kaulele, presented by INPEACE at Kukui Grove Center, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly pop-up features Kaulana Mahina and The Explorers of Lawaiʻa, interactive exhibits connecting Hawaiian knowledge with modern science through moon phases, fishing practices and ocean-based activities. Hawaii Public Radio

Tuesday — Free Hula Lessons in Līhuʻe

YWCA Kauaʻi hosts free hula lessons Tuesday from 4:00–5:00 p.m. at Hale Līhuʻe. Keiki through kūpuna are welcome, with lessons taught by Kumu Hula Kamalani. Advance sign-up is requested. Kaua‘i Festivals & Events

Wednesday — Makai Music & Art Festival

The Makai Music & Art Festival is scheduled Wednesday from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Princeville Makai Golf Club. Admission and parking are free, with live music and more than 20 local artists and vendors. Because North Shore recovery work continues, allow extra drive time and respect local-only access restrictions farther west toward Wainiha and Hāʻena. Kaua‘i Festivals & Events

Thursday — Kauaʻi Museum 1st Thursday Courtyard Market

On Thursday, October 1, Kauaʻi Museum hosts its free First Thursday Courtyard Market from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Local art, fashion, cultural practitioners and island treats make this a great visitor-friendly stop. Courtyard market admission is free; regular museum admission applies if you want to explore the exhibits inside. AlohaCalendar

Thursday — Free Hula Show & Craft Fair

The weekly Free Hula Show & Craft Fair with Tamatea Nui O Kauaʻi is scheduled Thursday at Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay. The event combines Hawaiian music and dance with local artists and craft vendors, making it an easy East Side cultural stop. AlohaCalendar

Friday — Art, Music & Aloha Friday

Friday evening is a good night to be around Līhuʻe. Aloha First Friday Art Night is scheduled from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and Kukui Grove hosts free Aloha Friday line dancing from 6:00–8:00 p.m. plus live music in the food court. These events make an easy alternative if showers interfere with beach plans. Kauai Now

Saturday — Kauaʻi Brewers Festival

One of the week’s headline events arrives Saturday, October 3, in downtown Līhuʻe. The Kauaʻi Brewers Festival runs from 2:00–6:00 p.m. and features live music, local food and vendors, yard games and a beer garden for guests 21 and older. The festival is open to all ages, with a physical ID required for the beer garden. Public parking is available around Rice and Kress streets. Kauai Brewers Festival

Saturday — ALOHA Kauaʻi Yoga & Peace Festival

The 9th Annual ALOHA Kauaʻi Yoga & Peace Festival is scheduled Saturday from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Kauaʻi Shores Hotel in Kapaʻa. The oceanfront gathering centers on yoga, wellness, community and peace and offers another strong East Side option for the weekend. Kaua‘i Festivals & Events

Saturday — North Shore Farmers Markets & Hula

Saturday morning also brings the Anaina Hou Farmers Market in Kīlauea and Hanalei Farmers Market, both typically running from 9:00 a.m.–noon. Later, Princeville Center hosts its weekly free hula show from 1:30–2:30 p.m. These make a natural North Shore itinerary without pushing into the local-access-only recovery area beyond Princeville. Princeville at Hanalei

Local Business Highlight — Shop Local While Kauaʻi Recovers

This remains an especially valuable time to spend locally. Farmers, restaurants, artists, food trucks and small retailers lost business during the hurricanes, outages and recovery period.

This week’s farmers markets, Kauaʻi Museum market, Makai Music & Art Festival and Brewers Festival make it easy to put vacation dollars directly into the island community. Look for Kauaʻi-grown fruit, coffee, honey, baked goods, locally made jewelry, art and handcrafted gifts.

Some businesses may still have modified hours or limited inventory, so check before making a long drive for one specific stop.

Road & Travel Advisories

State crews continue storm-debris removal along Kaumualiʻi and Kūhiō highways. Drive slowly around work crews and expect intermittent delays. Kauai Now

Hāʻena and Wainiha remain open to local traffic only. Wainiha River Bridge No. 3 is currently limited to vehicles under 15 tons. Visitors should not use the far North Shore as a sightseeing route into hurricane recovery areas. Kauai Now

Kōkeʻe Road remains closed, and access into Kōkeʻe State Park continues to be controlled while crews clear trees, repair utilities and address storm damage. Do not build a Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe itinerary around roads or trails that remain officially closed. Kauai Now

The Kauaʻi Bus is fare-free through Wednesday, September 30. The 900 and 950 Anahola–Waimea express routes remain suspended until further notice. Kauai Now

A Good Way to Plan the Week

Monday: Take advantage of the drier window for an open beach or local sightseeing, but be cautious around east- and south-facing surf. Finish the afternoon at the Anahola Farmers Market.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Keep plans flexible because showers are expected to increase. Kaulele at Kukui Grove, Kauaʻi Museum, local shopping and cultural events make good weather-proof alternatives. If conditions cooperate Wednesday, the Makai Music & Art Festival is an excellent North Shore afternoon.

Thursday and Friday: Mix local markets, museums, food and evening events with shorter outdoor adventures rather than relying on one long weather-sensitive excursion.

Saturday: Choose your side of the island. Head to Kapaʻa for the ALOHA Kauaʻi Yoga & Peace Festival, spend the morning at North Shore farmers markets, or make Līhuʻe your destination for the Kauaʻi Brewers Festival.

Visitor Tip of the Week

October begins with Kauaʻi still balancing tourism and hurricane recovery. The island is open and there is plenty to enjoy, but some of its most famous mountain and far-North-Shore destinations are not ready for normal visitor traffic yet.

Rather than trying to work around every closure, lean into what is available: local markets, Hawaiian culture, music, food, museums, community events and open beaches with safe conditions. Check the weather and ocean report each morning, respect recovery zones, and give road crews plenty of space.

A slower, more local week on Kauaʻi can be every bit as memorable as a packed sightseeing itinerary.

Aloha. 🌺