As checked at 4:00 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time on September 5, 2026, park closures are confirmed, while the storm’s approach and potential flight disruption remain developing. Your island, travel dates and specific bookings should guide your next move.
Which Hawaiian islands could be affected?
The National Weather Service’s 3:34 a.m. HST forecast on September 5 expects Lowell to turn north on Sunday, September 6, and approach Kauaʻi County on Monday night, September 7. Its projected intensity near that approach is Category 2 to 3, although the track and strength can change.
Kauaʻi County is the main area to watch for a closer approach and stronger wind impacts. An eastward shift would increase that concern.
Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island also need attention. High surf and heavy rain can extend hundreds of miles from the center, and the forecast identifies possible effects across the island chain. Being away from the projected center does not establish that a beach, boat trip or hiking route is safe.
Kauai park closures: Kalalau, Polihale and Haena
The latest Hawaii State Parks notices confirm these changes:
| Place | Announced closure | What to change |
|---|---|---|
| Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, including Kalalau Trail and camping | September 4–8 | Remove affected hikes and camping stays from your itinerary |
| Polihale State Park | September 4–8 | Change beach visits and camping plans |
| Haʻena State Park, including Keʻe Beach | September 6–8 | Recheck park-entry and transport reservations |
Reopening depends on official clearance. Keep checking notices if your visit begins immediately after September 8.
Hanakāpīʻai has been listed for day use, but access needs a fresh check, particularly Haʻena’s closure begins.
State park reservations falling within storm-related closures qualify for automatic refunds, minus nonrefundable service charges. Separate transport and tour bookings need to be checked with their providers.
Some closures elsewhere relate to earlier storm recovery or construction. Check the stated reason before assuming every closed park is a new Lowell impact.
Hawaii flights: check your booking before canceling
WestJet’s September 4 hurricane advisory covers travel to or from Honolulu, Oʻahu, and Kahului, Maui, on September 7–8.
Passengers with flight-only bookings made directly through WestJet can review changes or cancellation in Manage Trips. WestJet Vacations customers should contact that provider; bookings through another agency or website should be handled through the original booking source.
Check the terms offered for your reservation before confirming a change. The advisory identifies affected travel dates; it does not mean every listed flight has been canceled or that every change is free.
Hawaiian’s flexible travel policies explain options when the airline changes or cancels a flight. These are general policies, so check whether your reservation has a specific disruption notice or weather waiver.
Keep airline notifications enabled and review every flight segment, including interisland connections.
Can you get a flight refund?
Under U.S. Department of Transportation refund rules, an airline cancellation entitles you to a refund if you decline alternative travel and do not accept a voucher or other compensation. That applies regardless of why the airline cancels, including weather.
Significant airline changes can also qualify. Examples include arrival delays of at least three hours for domestic itineraries or six hours for international itineraries.
Voluntarily canceling a flight that is still scheduled to operate is a different situation. Check your fare and any applicable waiver before acting. Hotel, rental-car and tour refunds require separate checks.
Should you postpone your Hawaii trip?
Contact your airline and accommodation now if you are due in Kauaʻi around September 7–8. Ask what changes are available, whether your property expects access problems, and how it will communicate emergency instructions.
Trips built around Kalalau camping, Polihale or Haʻena already need itinerary changes during the announced closures. Decide whether the remaining trip still works for you before purchasing replacement activities.
Oʻahu, Maui and Big Island bookings need an island-specific review. Confirm your accommodation, airport transfer and planned ocean activities, and follow any official instruction to avoid travel or evacuate.
Later September departures should be assessed against forecasts and operating notices closer to departure. The current closure dates do not establish conditions for the rest of the month.
Already in Hawaii? Prepare before conditions deteriorate
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s Lowell update brings together county alerts, shelter information, utility outage maps and preparedness guidance.
Take a few practical steps while services are available:
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Ask your accommodation about its emergency plan and where you should go if instructed to leave.
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Sign up for alerts for the county where you are staying.
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Charge your phone and power bank, and save booking details, essential contacts and your accommodation address offline.
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Keep essential medication, drinking water and basic supplies accessible.
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Follow beach closures and local safety instructions; avoid exposed shorelines and flooded roads.
Check your flight and accommodation messages again before leaving for the airport. If local authorities issue shelter or evacuation instructions, follow those immediately.