Lihue Airport, commercial ports close as Hurricane Lowell nears Kauai

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) closed Lihue Airport at 2:30 p.m. Monday, due to the impending impacts of Hurricane Lowell.

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The Category 2 system is approaching the islands, and is forecast to bring hurricane conditions across Kauai and Niihau by Monday afternoon.

All flights in and out of the airport were canceled for the rest of Monday, officials said, and the department is working closely with airlines to accommodate passengers who may be stranded.

Security and airport personnel will remain on site to monitor terminal and runway conditions and work to mitigate storm impacts.

HDOT said the airport will reopen after inspections of the runway and terminal facilities are completed and it is deemed safe to do so.

Airlines issue travel advisory

Alaska Airlines said Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines passengers scheduled to travel to and from Lihue through Tuesday have the flexibility to change or cancel their flights without fees. View the travel advisory here.

Read more All Kauai, Niihau & Oahu public schools closed Tuesday as Hurricane Lowell nears

Southwest Airlines issued a travel advisory for travelers flying in and out of Lihue through Tuesday.

Other Hawai‘i airports remain open

If the situation changes, updates will be posted on HDOT’s weather and traffic page and their official social media accounts.

Travelers should check with their airline directly for information regarding delays, cancellations, or other changes before heading to the airport.

Kaua‘i commercial ports closed

Kaua‘i commercial ports at Port Allen and Nāwiliwili remain closed under Port Condition Zulu, halting all terminal, facility, and vessel operations.

Read more Emergency siren sounds on Niihau ahead of Hurricane Lowell