Most Kauaʻi public schools to reopen Monday following Hurricane Lowell

(Update: Sept. 11, 2026, 5:45 p.m.) Most Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools on Kauaʻi will reopen to students Monday, Sept. 14, following a week of closures due to impacts from Hurricane Lowell.

As of Friday afternoon, electricity had been restored to 12 of 15 public school campuses on Kauaʻi. Three schools remain without power: Kapa‘a High, Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary.

Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary will remain closed to students and staff Monday. Neither campus currently has potable water available. The schools are also preparing contingency plans to support continued learning if the lack of potable water prevents the campuses from reopening.

Kapaʻa High remains without power but is able to safely operate, with contingency plans in place for instruction and gas-powered cafeteria equipment available to provide meals to students.

Kauaʻi public schools not identified above are scheduled to resume regular operations Monday. Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School will proceed with a previously scheduled waiver day for staff professional development Monday, with students returning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

School and HIDOE teams have been working throughout the week to assess facilities, make repairs, clear debris and prepare campuses for students. Teachers and educational assistants returned to campuses Friday to prepare for students’ return.

The Department will continue monitoring conditions at the schools that remain closed and will provide families with updates on reopening as information becomes available.