Ordnance Remnants Forces Partial Closure of Maui’s Mākena State Park

Oneloa or Big Beach in Mākena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks will close the Puʻuōlaʻi (Little Beach) area and a portion of Mākena Beach State Park in South Maui on Wednesday, Feb. 18, while DLNR staff and military ordnance experts conduct an investigation.

Department officials say remnants of a detonation wire became exposed, which may pose a public safety hazard.  The discovery was made in the area fronting the beach at Puʻuōlaʻi.

“In an abundance of caution, we will close the park until we are certain there is no risk to the public,” said Curt Cottrell, State Parks assistant administrator in a department press release.

State officials say the area will remain closed until further notice; however, the parking area and beach closest to ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve will remain open.