chris and valerie: Kalihiwai Sept 2018

This was a great trip - and an interesting and complicated one. It was the first time we've been back since April, so we had a chance to see the impact from the Flood and from Hurricane Lane (and Olivia as well). Kauai is pretty busted up in general. The roads range from slightly damaged (potholes, rough surface, untrimmed shoulders, etc) in the case of the Kuhio Highway and most major roads to really rough and damaged (many of the town roads in places like Hanalei and Anahola and Wailua) to destroyed (in the case of many of the dirt roads).

The community has been working really hard to get things back running again - but there is little to no help from the state or the Federal Gov't and the island is entirely out of money.

People are definitely struggling. The economic impact has been pretty devastating on the North Shore, and has hurt the entire island as well. Not only is tourism down, the segments that are not down are the bargain shoppers and downmarket consumers.

In many ways, Kauai this time felt like Kauai was 20 years ago. The roads were pretty third world, driving was not like on the Mainland, you can't assume infrastructure will be maintained, etc.

The people are still wonderful, and they've pulled together amazingly well through these tough times. But the wear and tear shows and every time it rains hard you can feel the anxiety on the North Shore.

In general, I would strongly suggest going to Kauai as a tourist right now. They need the visitors and they need the visitors to contribute to the local economy. Without this, they will not be able to get back on their feet when it comes to the damages. What they need most of all, of course, is tourists who come to the island and buy everything they need on the island - from local businesses.

None the less - this really was a great trip. We had a ton of fun with our friends both on the island and visiting the island. We ate great food with good people; we paddled in the waves and swam in natural ocean pools. We relaxed and talked story. It was fantastic. Special Mahalos to Keone for all his support, the loan of the truck and boats and for his heart and care; to Dana for not only being the rock that she is - but for being always willing to spend time with us (despite her crazy schedule); to the Westside Miyakes for being willing to drive all the freaking way to the North Shore to see us and for their openness and aloha spirit; to Dylan and Michelle and the keikis for the friendship and the starfruit; to Hina and Justin and everyone else who worked to make our visit easy; to Kavin for his wonder and joy; to Michael and the other fishcutters at Hanalei Dolphin; and most of all thanks to Kauai... you're beautiful.