Update at 10:52 p.m. April 10, 2026: Kauaʻi Branch of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife reported shortly after 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, there are multiple closures along Kōkeʻe Contour Road because of erosion caused by heavy rains from severe weather.
Sections of the road between Haʻeleʻele Ridge Road (Trail 3) and Polihale Ridge Road (Trail 4), as well as between Polihale Ridge Road (Trail 4) and Kaʻaweiki Ridge Road (Trail 5), were closed until further notice.
Unit A remains open, but drivers, hunters and other recreational users are strongly advised to proceed with caution in the weeks ahead.
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources continues to advise the public to cooperate with all announcements of area closures.
People should also avoid forested and coastal areas because of the dangers of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge or high surf. Emergency response or rescue from these areas might be delayed.
Announcements will also be posted to:
- Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Facebook page.
- Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Instagram page.
More weather information is available at the National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office website.
Update at 3:55 p.m., April 10, 2026: The flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been canceled for Kauaʻi, with flooding no longer expected to pose a threat. A high wind advisory and high surf advisory already were canceled.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve into Saturday with lighter winds and somewhat drier air, though some lingering showers are still possible. Another round of unsettled weather could return Sunday into early next week, with light winds and daytime sea breezes leading to clouds and spotty afternoon showers.
On Thursday evening, a brown water advisory was issued for all of Kaua‘i and is still in effect.
Hawai‘i Department of Health is advising beachgoers to avoid entering waters that appear brown or murky, particularly after storms or periods of heavy rain. Runoff during these conditions can carry elevated levels of pollutants into nearshore waters.
Health officials recommend staying out of affected ocean waters for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends and conditions return to normal.
The department also warns the public to avoid swimming, wading, or drinking from freshwater streams and ponds due to the risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria.
Refuge areas
No refuge areas are open at this time. However, refuge areas islandwide are on standby, should the need arise.
Facilities updates
- The Department of Parks and Recreation has utilized a generator to supply Salt Pond Beach Park with power and have reopened the park. Utility crews continue repairs to reestablish stable power.
- The Kapa’a Refuse Transfer Station will not be accepting green waste until further notice due to weather conditions.
- The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed the Kalalau Trail and Polihale State Park until further notice. The Hā’ena Shuttle also has been suspended until further notice.
- The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed the Wailua River to all vessels.
- County services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.
Road updates as of about 12:40 p.m. Friday, April 10
- A portion of Kuai Road in Poʻipū is closed due to heavy ponding.
- Pe’e Road in Poʻipū has been reopened for through traffic.
The public is advised that heavy ponding may persist in some areas. The Public Works Roads Division has flooded roads posted in areas with heavy ponding to alert the public.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises road users that all special-use lanes on Kaua‘i will not be operational Friday, April 10, as crews address impacts of the severe weather system.
A full list of special-use lanes also includes Kūhiō Highway Southbound Contraflow.
Pe’e Road in Poʻipū was reopened for through traffic.
Ocean conditions
Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming or other ocean activities due to brown and murky waters islandwide. County lifeguards advise no recreational water activities.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and safety, speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous.
During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.
The Hawai’i Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued a Brown Water Advisory for the island of Kaua’i. The Department of Health advises beach users to stay our of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
Stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office website or call the automated weather line at 808-245-6001 for the most recent information about advisories, watches and warnings issued for your area as well as other forecast information.
