Kauai marks 34 years since Hurricane Iniki as Lowell recovery continues

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Friday marked 34 years since Hurricane Iniki tore through Kauaʻi.

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The powerful storm slammed into Kauaʻi as a Category 4 system, with gusts that topped 200 mph.

Hurricane Iniki caused seven deaths and more than $3 billion in damage across the Garden Isle when it made landfall on Sept. 11, 1992.

Days before Iniki’s 34th anniversary, Hurricane Lowell passed just west of the island, bringing hurricane-force winds and torrential rain that devastated parts of Kauaʻi and left many residents facing another long recovery.

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In a statement reflecting on both disasters, Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami noted the island’s history of community resilience.

“Many of us remember the hard days that followed, and we also remember who showed up. Neighbors cleared each other’s yards, families shared what they had, and help came from Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and beyond. That is how Kauaʻi rebuilt,” Kawakami said.

“Lowell has tested us again, and once again we are not doing this alone. People from across our state are here working side by side with our own crews to restore power, clear roads, feed families, and check on homes. To everyone who answered the call, mahalo. To our community, please keep checking on your kūpuna and your neighbors. Take care of each other. That is who we are, and that is how we will get through this.”

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