Kilauea, Hanalei elementary schools to reopen this week after Hurricane Lowell, HIDOE says

News admin September 14, 2026 0 Comments

Kilauea, Hanalei elementary schools to reopen this week after Hurricane Lowell, HIDOE says

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) said two Kauaʻi public schools will reopen later this week as most of the island’s schools return to campus Monday.

Nearly a week ago, Hurricane Lowell passed near the state and brought high winds and rain, prompting the state to close Kauaʻi’s public schools on Sept. 8 to begin cleanup and recovery operations.

The department said Sunday that Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary will reopen once water service is restored. The outage prevented both campuses from reopening alongside the rest of Kauai’s public schools.

Students and employees will return to Kīlauea Elementary on Tuesday.

Hanalei Elementary will reopen to employees Tuesday to prepare the campus, and students will return Wednesday.

HIDOE said Kīlauea and Hanalei are the only Kauaʻi public schools awaiting power restoration and have contingency plans to operate without power as restoration efforts continue. Kapaa High had its power restored Friday night.

The department announced Friday that most of Kauaʻi’s public schools will reopen to students Monday.

School and HIDOE teams assessed facilities, addressed storm-related damage and prepared campuses to resume operations. Teachers returned Friday to prepare for students’ return, HIDOE said.

Officials said Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School will proceed with a previously scheduled waiver day for staff professional development Monday, with students returning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

School bus service

HIDOE said some regular education bus routes will be unable to operate or will operate with modified service because road conditions and detours cannot safely accommodate school buses.

Department officials said schools have been communicating directly with affected families about the status of the bus schedule.

Special education curb-to-curb transportation will continue to be provided.

Updated information from the HIDOE on school bus service is online.

HIDOE said it will continue to monitor conditions at the schools that remain closed and will update families on reopening as information becomes available.

Superintendents tour damaged campuses

HIDOE superintendent Keith Hayashi and Kauaʻi Complex Area superintendent Leila Maeda-Kobayashi visited schools Wednesday to see storm impacts and recovery work firsthand. They observed downed trees and branches, roof and ceiling damage, water intrusion and debris at several campuses. A portable classroom at Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary lost its roof, and other classrooms sustained ceiling damage.

“Visiting our schools and communities, it’s clear that recovery is still very much underway, and many of our families and employees are dealing with storm impacts in their own homes and neighborhoods,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Our teams are working hard to get our campuses ready, while being mindful of what our school communities are going through. Our focus is on safely welcoming students back and supporting them as recovery continues.”

HIDOE said school custodians have been clearing debris and checking campuses, and cafeteria staff have been assessing kitchens and food supplies and removing food that could no longer be safely used. School administrators have been inspecting classrooms, documenting damage and identifying needed repairs.