The latest guesstimate is that the road past Hanalei (which is the only access by land to Wainiha, Lumahai, Tunnels, Haena, and Ke’e beaches) will remain closed until at least October. There are two times a day when work crews leave their work long enough for locals, with proof of residency, to drive on the one lane that has been (mostly) cleared road. The repairs will include replacing three bridges and the cost is estimated at $80 million.

There is no timetable being offered for reopening the Kalalau Trail or the Wai Koa loop trail in Kilauea, but some are saying the damage is so extensive it will take a year. When the road re-opens there are plans to restrict the number of visitors to Ke’e, but the details are still being worked out.

All reservations for the Hanalei Colony Resort have been canceled through September 1st.

The Hanalei Dolphin is tentatively set to reopen July 16th. There is no date for Postcards Café to reopen.

Other than north of Hanalei (which, in IMHO is the most beautiful part of the island) and the Wai Koa loop trail, visitors are not impacted in any way.

Except for being sad about the impact on so many, I am loving living on Kauai even more than I could have hoped. A few days ago I watched a pod of more than 20 spinner dolphins thrusting themselves out of the water, twisting and turning and putting on quite a show in front of my lanai. I see sea turtles almost all the time. Thanks to the trade winds, the temperature feels amazing. It's so pleasant we don't even use a fan. It's pure bliss being able to keep the windows open and working outside on the lanai with such beautiful views!

Aloha!


my view ...

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this fellow and his friend eat out of our hands!

Today's update: they don't expect the road north to be open until "sometime after October."
They have not even obtained permits yet to begin repairing Weke Rd. and the parking lot for Hanalei Pier.

Thanks for keeping us updated, Songdoc.

Ah beautiful photos...and it is still paradise.

songdoc, I have read a few of your updates. Thank you. My wife and I are planning 2-3 days in Kauai or Maui 11/20-11/22. I was already to do Kauai and stay in your new hometown. BUT...does the damage and closings severely impact this decision? We are into landscape, botanical gardens, sights...not beaches. I do know that one of the major gardens is closed. The North Shore was a key reason for selecting Kauai.
Your feedback is appreciated.
Jon

I’m not sure what to tell you. With only a few days on Kauai you could easily fill your time (and wish you had more) by visiting Na’Aina Kai sculpture/botanic gardens https://naainakai.org/,looking for whales from the Kilauea Lighthouse, walking at Hanalei Bay, visiting the waterfalls (Opaekaa and Wailua Falls), a day trip to Waimea Canyon, and a day-trip to walk at Maha’ulepu on the South Shore.

The road that is closed means there is no access to anything north of Hanalei. Presuming the road is not repaired by late November, you would not be able to do the beautiful drive to Ke’e beach or Tunnels. To me, that is the most beautiful part of the island. But I have friends who just spent two weeks here in Princeville and they filled every day and loved it.

Everyone has their preferences. Maui doesn’t do it for me. It just doesn’t have the vibe I come to Hawaii for. But there are certainly beautiful places there, and plenty of people love it. The good news is that I don’t think you can lose. You’ll likely have an awesome time regardless of which island you choose.

If you know you will be returning to the islands, you might want to do Maui now and save Kauai until the roads are open.

I know you are right. It turns out that our dates for Kauai and the Big Island may reverse since there are no connecting flights to Kauai after we arrive HNL. It may be that we stay two nights in Oahu...then to either the Big Island + Kauai; then back to Oahu for 2 nights and business. This way the flights are not an issue. And do not expect to return anytime soon. Everything you noted above is on our list; including Princeville Botanical Gardens! Thank you again.