Nearly a week after Hurricane Lowell battered Kauai with high winds, members of the island’s mountain biking community are turning their attention to clearing debris from trails.
Mountain Biking Kauaʻi is asking volunteers to help remove downed trees, heavy limbs and other storm debris from its trail network. The group said its trail builds and features remain intact, but it still needs significant cleanup before the network can fully reopen to riders.
“We have many people reaching out that want to help us reopen the trails, so we are coordinating that,” Bob Morello with MTB Kauaʻi told Kauaʻi Now.
But the nonprofit emphasized that trail work is secondary to household and community recovery.
Residents dealing with storm damage, property repairs or cleanup around their homes are being encouraged to focus on their families and neighbors first.
“Take care of yourselves, help your neighbors, and we’ll get the trails cleared together,” Morello added.
“We aren’t setting a strict schedule of formal events for the next couple of weeks — we want people to help out whenever they are able and have the bandwidth. If you’re in a position to come out, burn some energy, and help us clear the trails, we would love the extra hands.”
Last month, the organization opened its registration for the 2026 Anahola Max Enduro race. But since the hurricane, it has been postponed.
“We are trying to strike a delicate balance with the community,” Morello said.
Volunteers with access to equipment are especially encouraged to bring chainsaws, Sawzalls, gas- or battery-powered leaf blowers, heavy rakes, hand saws and loppers.
The group also urged anyone participating in trail work to bring work gloves, eye protection, sturdy boots and plenty of water.
People who want to help with trail clearing can reach Bruce Orth at 808-639-4150 or click here.
