Canada Joins Australia and South Korea as Hawaii Travel Advisories Rise Over Hurricane Lowell

Written By: Ananya Dey

Ananya Dey

I amAnanya Dey, a Journalism and Mass Communication postgraduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Honours). I am passionate about travel, writing, and research, with a strong interest in storytelling and content creation.

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September 9, 2026 2:28 AM

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Canada Joins Australia and South Korea as Hawaii Travel Advisories Rise Over Hurricane Lowell because Hurricane Lowell brought dangerous weather and travel disruption, especially around Kauai. Canada raised its regional advice to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas. Australia issued a Hawaii-specific warning while keeping its wider US risk level unchanged. South Korea also urged travellers to limit unnecessary outings and monitor official conditions. The reason is clear: heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, rough seas, road closures and flight disruption created risks for visitors across Hawaii.

Foreign Governments Issue New Hawaii Travel Guidance

Canada, Australia and South Korea have issued Hawaii-specific travel and safety updates as Hurricane Lowell affected the islands, with Kauai facing the greatest disruption.

The three governments have not applied the same risk level. Canada raised its advice for Kauai County and part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to “avoid non-essential travel”. Australia maintained its overall United States advice at “exercise normal safety precautions” while adding a specific Hurricane Lowell warning. South Korea issued a Hawaii safety notice advising travellers and residents to limit unnecessary outdoor activity and monitor official conditions.

Hawaii Travel Advisory and Safety Update Data

Sources: Government of Canada, Australian Government Smartraveller and Republic of Korea Overseas Safety Travel.

Canada Raises Risk Level for Kauai

Canada issued the strongest formal travel restriction among the three governments.

Its United States travel advisory continues to place the country overall at “take normal security precautions”. However, Canada advises against non-essential travel to Kauai County and the section of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument extending from Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals because of Hurricane Lowell.

Canada warned that excessive rain and violent winds could cause flash flooding and landslides while disrupting transportation, electricity, telecommunications, food and water supplies, emergency services and medical care. Travellers were told to follow evacuation instructions and contact airlines for current flight information.

Australia Warns Travellers While Keeping Normal U.S. Risk Level

Australia updated its United States travel advice on 8 September to include Hurricane Lowell.

Smartraveller said the hurricane was expected to affect the Hawaiian Islands, particularly Kauai, with heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds and storm surge. Transport and essential services could also be disrupted.

Despite the Hawaii warning, Australia kept its overall United States travel level at “exercise normal safety precautions”. Australian travellers were advised to monitor conditions and follow instructions from local authorities.

South Korea Issues Hawaii Hurricane Safety Notice

South Korea’s official Overseas Safety Travel service issued an updated Hawaii notice on 5 September.

The notice warned that Lowell was expected to turn towards the Hawaiian Islands and pass near western Kauai before leaving the region around 8 September. Strong winds, high waves and heavy rain were expected.

South Korean authorities advised people to secure their accommodation, prepare batteries for possible power outages, avoid unnecessary outings, refrain from water activities and monitor weather and road conditions. Travellers were also directed towards Hawaii emergency information services.

Official US Update Shows Hurricane Moving Away but Flood Risk Remains

Conditions began improving after Lowell passed the western Hawaiian Islands.

At 8:00 am HST on 8 September, the US National Hurricane Center reported that Lowell was about 190 miles north-northwest of Lihue with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

All coastal watches and warnings had been discontinued by that update. However, officials stressed that flash-flooding risk remained across the Hawaiian Islands.

This distinction is important for travellers. The end of hurricane warnings does not automatically mean that roads, attractions and visitor services return immediately to normal.

Kauai Parks and Roads Face Travel Disruption

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that all Kauai island state parks were closed until further notice from 7 September because of Hurricane Lowell.

Officials warned of flash flooding, storm surge and falling or flying tree limbs. Locations affected included Polihale State Park, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and Hāʻena State Park.

Hawaii’s Department of Transportation also recorded road closures on Kauai, including sections of Kuhio Highway and other roads affected by flooding, fallen trees or utility infrastructure.

Lihue Airport Operations Were Interrupted

Hurricane Lowell also affected aviation.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation reported that Lihue Airport closed at 2:30 pm on 7 September after airlines and the Transportation Security Administration stopped operations. The airport was scheduled to reopen after inspections of its runway and terminal facilities.

At the same time, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu remained operational.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has repeatedly advised visitors to check directly with airlines because flight schedules, cancellations and delays can change quickly during severe weather.

Travellers Should Continue Checking Official Updates

The latest official information shows that the immediate hurricane threat was easing by 8 September, but flooding, transport disruption and attraction closures remained important travel risks.

Canada’s advisory remains particularly significant because it formally advises against non-essential travel to Kauai County and part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Australia and South Korea have issued separate safety guidance without applying the same regional risk classification.

Travellers planning Hawaii trips should therefore check their own government’s advisory, airline status, accommodation information and official Hawaii emergency updates before travelling, especially when visiting Kauai.

Canada Joins Australia and South Korea as Hawaii Travel Advisories Rise Over Hurricane Lowell, reflecting growing concern over storm-related travel risks. Canada issued the strongest regional guidance by advising against non-essential travel to Kauai County and part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Australia warned travellers about heavy rain, flooding, winds and storm surge while keeping its wider US advice unchanged. South Korea urged caution, fewer unnecessary outings and close monitoring of official updates. The cause is Hurricane Lowell. The impact includes disrupted flights, road closures, park shutdowns and flood danger. Travellers should keep checking official alerts before visiting Hawaii now.