‘Īao Valley Monument Reopening Pushed to August 2017

ʻĪao Valley flood restoration is ongoing. Photo 10.4.16 by Wendy Osher.

The state has pushed back the reopening of ʻĪao Valley State monument to early August of 2017 amid ongoing repairs and interim improvements. Earlier projections had indicated that the monument area that includes the portion of the valley above the Nature Center would reopen in mid-July.

The adjacent Kepaniwai Park operated by the County of Maui reopened in April.  Park hours at Kepaniwai are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks notes that ʻĪao Valley State

Monument remains closed as state crews work to complete repairs to to make the park safe for public visitation in the wake of major flooding that occurred in September of 2016.

Interim slope stabilization has been completed, but State Parks is still completing parking lot restriping, installation of flexible traffic delineators, and installation of security guardrail fencing at various locations in the park. State officials note that repairs to the pedestrian bridge will round out the interim improvements.

A second significant phase of slope stabilization will be required later in the year, and department officials say they anticipate an additional park closure during that phase of work.

The public is advised that damage assessments, clean-up and repairs are ongoing. Anyone found within the closed park could be found in violation of HAR 13-146-4, which is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.