Life on Kauai

Life on Kauai Now | 18 Months Later

Culture and Events / / 159 Comments

Our third installment in this popular series.

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159 thoughts on “Life on Kauai Now | 18 Months Later”

  1. Elizabeth H.

    Aloha from Minnesota! We are currently on a Stay Home order until May 4th. The only time we go out is to go for a walk in our neighborhood or to the grocery store. Tomorrow we are expecting up to 10 inches of snow! My husband and I were lucky to visit Oahu for our annual trip in February. Missing the Hawaiian sunsets and the Aloha Spirit. We are hoping to return again next February. Mahalo for your posts and keeping us all informed what life is like on beautiful Kauai. Aloha 🌺🌈🤙

    1. Beat of Hawaii

      Hi Elizabeth.

      Thank you. We appreciate your comments over the last 9 years!

      Our best to you guys.

      Aloha.

  2. Msconk

    Aloha, I went on the HA site to check my May 2, 2020 reservations and only a cancel button was posted. No choice for a refund on the tickets. I thought there would be a choice to cancel or request a refund. Have you heard anything about this?
    Take care on Kauai
    Mahalo

    1. Beat of Hawaii

      Hi Msconk.

      Was this the page you went to? We have been told by quite a few visitors that this is leading to a refund option. Please let us know how it goes.

      Aloha.

  3. Mary E

    Much love & Aloha to the people of Kauai. Best place on earth & I’ve traveled quite a bit of it. Married @ the Coco Palms in 1985 & have visited over 40 times. Can’t understand why Madame Pele keeps trying to destroy you–hurricanes, floods, vi ruses, etc. It’s said God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle but enough is enough with the testing! Even hope to come again at my advanced age.

    1. Beat of Hawaii

      Hi Mary.

      Thank you for this and your other comments over the past 4 years. We look forward to welcoming you back.

      Aloha.

  4. Ken

    UNITED AIRLINES UPDATE: On 3/24/2020, I cancelled our United flights to Kauai, and that night, United charged my Visa a $250 cancellation fee. Yesterday, United issued a $250 credit voucher to us, renewing my good feelings towards this carrier in very difficult times. We can’t wait to visit Kauai again, maybe in October or next April. I hope all of you are doing well and your businesses/jobs come back soon.
    Aloha

  5. Deryl P

    I brought 2 friends for a 3 week visit in March. I wantrd to introduce them to the Aloha Spirit of Kauai ehich infected me on my first trop yhere in 2011. I am so thankful we were able to experence many wonderful adventures prior to the shutdowns of our final week there. Our prayers are with you allduring these troubled times. Mahalo Nui Loa .

  6. Kristin M.

    My son lives in Kapaa. I’m in California. Even though he is almost 30, it’s so hard to have your children living oceans apart from you during this time. I pray that Hawaii will not be without food and essentials, especially medical supplies. My prayers go out for all of you.

    2. Travis P

      The mis information on what beach parks vs beaches is unreal, to be clear Kauai Beach Parks require a parking pass and $5.00 pass per person only 100 sold per day, beach parking at beach parks seems to be unlimited $50.00 per day. I called the mayors office to ask for clarification and was re-directed to parks and Rec, i left a message and they called me back the nxt day. The parks and rec director for Kauai called me back and said only county beaches and state beaches are closed, but the beaches in front of the big hotels are not closed and are not considered a county beach. She emailed me a list of every closed beach park thats closed by the county. There are lots of locals and visitors alike swimming, and enjoying the beach in front of the Marriott resorts in poipu and lihue and the Sheraton and other hotel chains. My kids have spent countless days at the beach and we are planning on staying a month till this virus thing dies down.

      1. Barbara O.

        Please explain WHY locals and visitors are out enjoying the beaches. That is how it spreads! We are ALL supposed to stay in our own homes with our own families, and walks for exercise are to be 6 feet apart so as not to pass along the vi rus that we may not even know we have yet. How will we keep this terrible vi rus from spreading if the rules are broken? PLEASE PEOPLE! This is not party time. This is REAL, not a horror movie. Don’t wait until throngs of people have spread this vi rus unknowingly. Check the CDC website for details. WE ON THE MAINLAND KNOW. WATCH THE TV REPORTS AND TAKE TO HEART WHAT THE MEDICAL EXPERTS ARE TRYING TO TELL YOU!

        1. Jared M

          Dear Barbara O,

          Though your fear is not unusual, your statements (“Please explain WHY locals and visitors are out enjoying the beaches. That is how it spreads! We are ALL supposed to stay in our own homes with our own families, and walks for exercise are to be 6 feet apart so as not to pass along the vi rus that we may not even know we have yet.”) are simply untrue. You cannot spread a virus without coming into contact with people. And if a family–that is already living together–goes out into nature together–and stays a safe and healthy distance from others–they are certainly not going to catch or spread anything. In fact, there’s probably nothing healthier at a time like this than getting OUT of the house and getting some fresh air and sunshine and exercise. Swimming in the ocean or walking along the beach has certainly not been deemed dangerous or unsafe behavior in and of itself. So… maybe chill out a bit and worry about your OWN health and your OWN behavior instead of worrying unnecessarily about what others might be doing that don’t affect you in anyway.
          Aloha.

  7. Colby L

    Why is this site still advertising cheap flights to Hawaii?? Quite a few of them from different airlines. You should stop that.

  8. Trish

    I lived on Kauai from 2000 to 2002. I thought about how 911 shut down the airport and all shipments to the island and how everyone is doing. I live in California now and still come back to Kauai almost every year. You are in my prayers and hope the TP does not run out like it did after 911!

  9. Joe M.

    Aloha Beat of Hawaii, thank you so much for your updates of life as it is now known on Kauai, as a former resident from back in the early seventies, it must be like bittersweet paradise, uncrowded beaches, no traffic on the roads, and people helping people. Hopefully with all the craziness going on, you can put that aside for a moment and still enjoy an amazing sunset, a beautiful rainbow, or even a sunny day at the beach. The spirit of Kauai will always shine thru and stay strong! I was told a long time ago that once you have the spirit of Kauai, you will always come back, no matter how far your travels take you. My wife and I always try to get back as often as we can, and now we bring our kids who have also got the spirit and will not let us go without them even though they are fully grown! Please stay safe and stay healthy and keep the updates coming, we will be with you in spirit! Mahalo

    2. Glenn H.

      The spirit of Kauai is alive and well in our Souls. My wife and I are thinking of all Kauai residents at this time.
      Mahalo Nui Loa from Powell River B.C Canada.

  10. Brian P

    It’s so interesting to me that no one has even mentioned the fact that it’s completely unconstitutional for the government to force you to stay in your home or hotel room without a court order! Just seems the media doesn’t wanna report about it or even mention it.

  11. Michael and merle

    My husband and i been to maui and kuai and big isl.6 or 7 times his family is original german he thinks he is hawain we love you and hope to be bag in oct.please stay healthy .aloha

  12. Nickolais S.

    I always love Hawaii. I have been to the big island a few times. My dream is to purchase a piece of land there.

  13. Michelle

    Aloha!
    We came back from Kauai in the begginging of this month. We had a lovely honeymoon and and so thankful we got to go and come back before all of this. Thank you jesus! Mohalo

  14. Michelle T.

    We are so saddened to hear what is going on in Kauai.We we’re lucky to stay in Hanalei Bay right on the water in December,It was absolutely gorgeous.Sending prayers, strength and recovery to everyone.We all need to bond together.

  15. Amanda K

    My husband and I are from Vancouver, Canada, and we got married on Kauai 4 years ago (leap year day!). We came back to visit and had an amazing trip at the end of February with our son. The people on your island have always been so good to us. I am so especially thankful for those memories now and feel gratitude that we were able to visit before the pandemic.

    My heart goes out to all of you on Kauai and in Hawaii, and hope that visitors stay away or at the very least comply with your govenrment’s policies. We are in lockdown now too! If our trip was now we would have most definitely postponed, for your benefit most of all. We will be back (in 4 years or less), and wish you all good health and happiness during this challenging time!

    2. Andrew L.

      Aloha!
      A displaced Kamaaina living in Virginia here. We were there 4 years ago on a NCL cruise around the Islands. Hope go back in few more years. Please don’t change too much. This will blow over a few weeks. Mahalo for your sharing. We are all in this together.

  16. Cynthia B.

    We have medical family on your beautiful Island and we hope everyone listens and respects the laws which prevent community spread. We love visits to our Kauai family. Stay safe. God bless you.

  17. Barry

    My daughter and fiance were set to come to Kauai to be married in May. The wedding planner called to let us know about the quar antine. So now they are instead coming in August. Glad Kauai is taking safe precautions and we appreciate the travel industry folks being so accommodating in helping us change our plans!

  18. Bob A.

    My wife and I had planned on celebrating our 53rd anniversary in April on Kauai but divine providence gave me a knee replacement instead. I had no idea a knee replacement would become a blessing but we still miss it so much. Your blog gives lots of happy memories and good thoughts. I do worry about your folks who depend on tourism but “We’ll Be Back.”

  19. Honey W.

    Aloha,

    Thanks for the updates. We are sorry our May trip to Maui-Oahu-Kauai will not take place this year, and are grateful Hawaii is taking strong steps to protect its residents.

    We are holding out on flight cancellation, hoping American will take care of that for us, and allow us to get refunds.

    We look forward to more beautiful Hawaiian vacations in the future and are glad you two are taking good care of yourselves and Muley!

    Hugs

  20. Robert T.

    Just this week I had to cancel our trip to Hawaii the end of April thru mid May, but I intend to still enjoy Hawaii with all our pictures from our many trips. If we are stuck in our house I might as well enjoy our two weeks enjoying our photos. We always did say that Kauai rolls up it sidewalks at 4:00 so I guess they now just roll them up all day.

  21. Donna V.

    We will be arriving on June 28 th. We are in Las Vegas and we are in a 30 day lock down. We are praying that this will nor be a threat by then. Would hate to cancel🙏🙏🙏

  22. Pacheco

    We are suppose to be there on the 6th, but it’s now a debate if we should go or not. I know we are to be quar antined for our entire stay. My question is will they allow us to go to the beach even if it’s right off our condo?

  23. Stu P.

    My wife and I have visited your beautiful island 4 times now in the past 10 years. Most recently this past January. I’m sorry to hear of the flooding that you have experienced in the last few weeks. Kauai truly is Heaven on Earth and look forward to our next visit after this virus is gone. Thank you for the updates. Aloha

  24. Glynnis H.

    I wish all the people of Kauai good health and happiness in this worrisome time. I have been to Kauai many times, had a condo on the North Shore for 7 years, and love it there. I also live on a rural island, we have several confirmed cases, and we are in self isolation with only essential businesses open and all gatherings cancelled. The good news is that it works, the curve is flattening here. I hope to visit Kauai again when this crisis has passed. For now, we are helping our friends and neighbours by not visiting them. There is a local rap song, “If you love the island please don’t come”. Stay safe and best wishes, Glynnis from Salt Spring Island, Canada

  25. Pat

    My husband Richard joined his sister, brother and their spouses on Kauai on March 2. He enjoyed the first week of doing tourist outins. He & his siblings went to the chocolate farm, Kauai Coffee plantation and did a helicopter flight over Waimea Canyon. He shopped, walked on the beaches and visited the botanical gardens. He and one sibling had decided to stay 2 extra months. But during his 3 week stay at Kawai Resort, the scare was becoming a health concern for island residents and visitors. He caught an emergency flight out on March 22 and flew home, wearing a mask all during the flight. For his safety and our family, he decided to isolate for 20 days. We both love Kauai and have a timeshare in Bali Hai in Princeville. We are praying for all of Hawaii as it is a place near and dear to our hearts and will visit again as soon as it safe to do so after this has run its course. Aloha to the beautiful people in Kauai. Stay safe at home & healthy.

  26. Earnest R.

    Earnest O.
    It’s comforting to know that the Island we deeply love and visit each year is taking a prudent, reasonable approach to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. We’re scheduled to visit in late September this year and pray that this national nightmare has passed by then. Our prayers are with all the phenomenal small restaurants, vendors, markets, and shops which we frequent whenever we’re there, and to the police, fire, medical, and other public employees who remain on the job to ensure vital services remain available to all.

    Thanks to beatofhawaii for keeping everyone informed and positive.

  27. Ernest L.

    I’m going to Hawaii for 4 days on Kauai and 10 in Kona tarting May 1. Are the beaches and pools open? Then there’s the 14-day quar antine. Should I cancel it?

  29. Vicki G.

    Thank you for your informative posts…I enjoy reading them and keeping up with the latest in/on the islands. We live in the Seattle area and when we saw the fantastic airfares (before all the quar antines), decided to go to Kauai and stay a week at the Lihue Kauai Marriott. (March 10). Everything was fine for the first week and lots of activity…things got a bit edgy when the first positive case of the vi rus took place shortly after our arrival. Incidentally, the 2 positives stayed at the Marriott after coming from Maui with symptoms and most likely, infected urgent care employees in Maui as well as on the aircraft they took. The Marriott handled the situation well and there was not a lot of panic.
    Kauai is so beautiful and we were enjoying ourselves so much we decided to extend our stay until March 22 (Sunday). We saw a dramatic change that week as the virus wreaked its havoc more on the islands, from bustling and busy to quiet and empty. It was hard to leave but it was in the best interest for all the citizens.
    I wish you health and positive thoughts for normalcy in paradise and can’t wait to return.
    Warm aloha, Vicki G.

  30. Diane

    Aloha,
    Check out Malama Kaua’i for local food connections. Many farmers are willing to deliver or come to your town to meet several customers. My farmer comes to Kapa’a on Wednesday. Mahalo for all the updates. I enjoy Beat of Hawai’i

    Diane

  31. Dan O

    We were to stay in Princeville on the 18th for a family “redo” since my youngest fairy child and my wife got sick on our last visit in December and stayed at home most of the trip. We decided to cancel this trip to keep the island families safe and to respect the local requests we started to see coming out in forums as we began to realize how serious this was becoming. I hope the people of Kauai enjoy the absence of tourists and the peace that comes with it (we know this reality in our “little” now tourist town too), but hope all stay healthy and afloat during these tough economic times to come. Love from Bend Oregon

  32. Eddie L.

    Just curious. I am a HI resident and Kauai homeowner currently stuck in the mainland (came to visit grands March 9) Here in CA we also have the “shelter in place” order. When can I come home?

    1. Kristin

      Yes, you will be required to stay at home in quar antine for 14 days. No leaving at all. After that, you’ll need to follow the “shelter in place” guidelines the rest of us have. Only out for essential services. And no being out between 9pm-4 am.

  33. Julie H

    So, today in TGI, this is what was said about traveling to exercise:

    “Traveling to part take in outdoor activities like biking, surfing or swimming is allowed while practicing social distancing.”

    While they messed up “partake”, I still take this to mean that going out in a car to get to a hiking or swimming area is within the parameters of the new regulations. What say you???

    (Hi Muley!)

    1. Beat of Hawaii

      Hi Ms. Julie.

      Thanks for your comment! Yes that’s what we read too. What the police may be something, we just don’t know.

      Aloha.

  34. Raj K.

    Aloha. We are regular readers if the Beat. We are full timers in a Poipu Resort condo. Yes, it is very quiet!!! We are out for exercise through the day. Unbelievable to see the beaches deserted. We pass the occasional walker or cyclist. Not sure if the police have shut down the sunset gatherings at the local gathering spots. We saw them well attended two nights ago with no distancing going on! Not needing anything, so no travel! A farm stand is open down the street for fresh fruits and veg. Life is very different these days! We are grateful it is just the 2 of us, unemployed, with no needs outside of being home. The simple life! We hope it remains simple until we can get back to our jobs!

  35. Satomi

    Thank you for the update! The quiet sounds blissful- at least for now🙂. Be well and aloha! 🌺

  36. Mary S

    Coffee is avaliable in Lihue at Ha coffee bar! Looks like you covered the changes here really well. However, restaurants and coffee shops ARE allowed to stay open doing takeout only. Many are closed because they can’t afford to stay open.

    Monkeypod Jam isn’t alone in helping farmers get their produce out. If you’re in Lihue, another place providing produce from local farmers is ha Coffee Bar on rice Street. And coffee too, from 7am-3:30pm. I think Java Kai is open is Kapaa.

    1. Beat of Hawaii

      Hi Mary.

      Thanks for those additions. Please keep them coming. Yes there were takeouts for a few days and then it seemed like there wasn’t enough business to keep them open. We know that other farmers market vendors are selling street-front from their homes too.

      Aloha.

      1. Amber P.

        Before the mandates, we chose not to come on our annual spring break trip to Kapaa from Eastern WA so we would not take resources from locals and possibly spread the virus to elders. Heartbreaking for our family and daughter who is missing the last of her senior year in high school, but I am so thankful for our health. Appreciate the beautiful islands and planet is getting a much needed reprieve. Wish you all good health and sending Aloha!

  37. Taryn A.

    Even on the mainland we are on “stay home’ orders… I wish I were in Kauai “working from a lanai, enjoying the sounds of the island….”. I am doing my part so that I can get back to the island sooner…

    Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!
    Mahalo

  38. Nadege

    A pet mule? So cool! I wouldn’t mind being in Kauai, even if I had to eat beans and rice everyday until the end of the quar antine. Now is a good time for self-reflection, meditation, taking online classes…. and go down to the beach. Stay safe and He olakino maikaʻi i nā poʻe a pau!

  39. Bernice S.

    Life in Maui is very similar to your life in Kauai…minus the curfew.
    We are staying close to home..
    Walking the golf course..
    Hardly see anyone.
    All of the visitors are gone so our condo complex is very peaceful.
    Be well.
    Be safe.
    Be kind

  40. Sheila H

    I wish I was there! Island life is my style! No “nightlife” is fine! Stay safe! ( Not sure what will happen to our mainland farmers markets either! )
    Aloha and Mahalo!

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