HTA Launches Campaign to Rebuild Kauai Tourism After Hurricane Lowell

Visitor spending on Kauai dropped by $84 million last month, a 44 percent decline from the same period in 2025. This financial hit marks the steepest downturn in the island's tourism sector following Hurricane Lowell.

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority released the figures, noting that the number of visitors to the island fell by nearly 10,000. The specific decrease was 11,500 visitors compared to September of the previous year.

To address the slump, the HTA is launching a new marketing campaign next month. The initiative partners with major companies such as Costco and Expedia to promote local businesses. Advertising for the effort will run on television, social media platforms, and podcasts.

Mitzi Yonezawa, the HTA's chief brand officer, outlined the strategy for generating bookings. "We know that we have to create demand. We have to build awareness and inspire travel by showcasing local Kauaʻi businesses, whether that's from the hotels to our experiences and activities, to our restaurants," she said.

Yonezawa added that the goal is to turn travel intent into actual reservations. "We really want to make sure that we inspire and create demand, and then we know that we have to convert that demand. We have to turn that travel intent into bookings," she stated.

Storm-related damage remains visible across the island. The new campaign may include an awareness component to remind visitors of the sustained impact on the community and the local economy.