The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 23 that Kiʻonaʻole Road will remain fully closed and detoured as crews continue storm recovery work, including culvert and drainage repairs following recent heavy rain events.
The ongoing closure is due to damage caused by recent Kona Lows and heavy rainfall, which led to the failure of an underground culvert at the Halekou Interchange. This failure compromised the roadway’s structural support, slope stability, and embankment, exposing sections of the culvert. The department said repair efforts began on April 20 with demolition and removal work on the damaged road and culverts.
The scope of work includes excavating a new concrete line drainage channel, installing a reinforced box drain, stabilizing slopes, clearing debris from existing channels, and reconstructing portions of the roadway. Both daytime (6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and nighttime (5 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.) shifts are being used throughout the week in order to speed up completion.
Access for motorists heading to Koʻolau Ballrooms along Kiʻonaʻole Road will be provided via Luluku Road through Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden using Hoʻomaluhia Private Road/Park Access Road until reaching Kiʻonaʻole at the H-3 Freeway overpass. Starting mid-May, there will also be a full closure of the Kamehameha Highway on-ramp to westbound H-3 Freeway for about one month while crews complete ramp repairs; drivers will be detoured via Pali-bound Kamehameha Highway with U-turns permitted at Halekou interchange.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages airports for domestic and international carriers as well as commercial harbors and highways across all six major Hawaiian islands. The department functions within Hawaii’s executive branch government structure according to its official site.
HDOT operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains approximately 2,450 lane miles statewide according to its official website. Its stated goal is “to deliver a safe, efficient, accessible and sustainable transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life” according to HDOT. The agency collaborates with federal partners such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as well as county planning departments according to its website.
Local access on Kiʻonaʻole Road is expected by mid-May with overall completion anticipated in August 2026 if weather permits; all timelines are subject to change based on conditions.
