Scheduled Water Upgrade Could Affect Kapaʻa Homes and Visitors
The Kauai Department of Water has scheduled a system upgrade for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., which may cause low pressure and intermittent no water periods in portions of Kapaʻa and nearby visitor sites. Residents, trail users and businesses are advised to store water, avoid using water dependent appliances during the work, and check the Department of Water website for real time updates.
The County Department of Water announced a planned upgrade to the Kapaʻa water system that will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The work could produce low water pressure and intermittent periods with no water for customers within the affected service area. The advisory was published by the County on Nov. 10, 2025.
Areas that may experience impacts include portions of Haleilio Road from the Sleeping Giant Trailhead to Kaulana Road, Kaulana Road itself, and a section of Kihei Road from Kaulana Road to the cul de sac. The notice also identified one residence on Nonou Road and the Opaekaʻa Falls Lookout restrooms on Kuamoʻo Road as additional locations that have been notified of potential service interruptions.
The Department of Water urged affected customers to store sufficient water ahead of the upgrade, inform neighbors who may be vulnerable, and refrain from running water dependent appliances during the maintenance window to reduce pressure on the system and avoid damage to machines. Residents are asked to monitor updates at www.kauaiwater.org and to call the Department of Water at 808 245 5455 or email publicrelations@kauaiwater.org with questions or concerns.
Local impacts will reach beyond household inconveniences. The Haleilio Road stretch provides access to the Sleeping Giant trailhead, a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Reduced water service at nearby sites and at the Opaekaʻa Falls lookout restrooms could affect hikers and tourists planning daytime visits. Small businesses in the area that depend on reliable water for food service and sanitation should take steps to prepare, and hosts of short term rentals may want to alert guests in advance.
Water reliability is also a matter of community resilience and cultural importance in Hawaiʻi. Planned upgrades like this are routine components of maintaining the island's infrastructure and ensuring long term service as demands from residents, agriculture and visitors evolve. Scheduling such work during daylight hours seeks to limit disruptions, but the County notice underscores the need for individual preparedness.
Emergency services are generally able to operate around planned water interruptions, but households with medical needs that require water should contact the Department of Water in advance to discuss options. For the latest information on the project and any changes to the schedule, residents should consult www.kauaiwater.org or reach out to the Department of Water at 808 245 5455 or publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.
