'Jurassic Park' golf course reopens on Kauai after Hurricane Lowell

Hurricane Lowell passed through Hawaii on September 7-8, causing severe damage with powerful winds, heavy rain, and massive waves. Kauai's golf courses were among the first to reopen as power outages, downed trees, and other destruction were left in its wake. The storm's impact was vividly captured on live television, when a Fox Weather storm specialist was nearly knocked off balance by a massive wave.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green stated that a homeless man in Oahu died when a tree fell on him during the storm. Over 32,000 customers remained without power as of September 9, and state emergency officials warned of downed trees, utility poles, and power lines. However, more than a month later, Kauai's golf courses have made significant progress in their recovery.

All five courses represented by Go Golf Kauai have reopened, although some cleanup still needs to be done. Poʻipu Bay Golf Course is fully operational, and Puakea Golf Course reopened on September 12. The Princeville Makai Golf Club reopened on September 29 after losing over 200 trees, and the Ocean Course at Hokuala is also open.

Wailua Golf Course, a municipal course, has partially reopened with its first nine holes open on September 28 and the back nine on October 5. While the recovery continues, local tourism officials are encouraging visitors to return while also urging them to support local businesses as Kauai rebuilds.