Haleakala to Close Overlooks for Maintenance

By Wendy Osher

Haleakalā National Park, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Haleakala National Park on Maui will temporarily close the Kalahaku and Leleiwi Overlooks for maintenance beginning on Monday, November 28, 2011.

The three week outlook closures go into effect for public safety to facilitate maintenance and repairs to the roofs of the shelters at each location.  During work, visitors will be unable to access the overlooks.  Advisory signs and security fencing will be installed around respective job sites.

Roof replacement at the Kalahaku Overlook will start on Monday, November 28, with contract work anticipated to be completed by December 15.  Roof replacement at Leleiwi Overlook will start on Friday, December 16, with contract work anticipated to be completed by January 9.  Completion dates on both projects are dependent upon favorable weather.

The structures were originally constructed in 1966 and are heavily used by park visitors to view Haleakala Crater.

The scheduled maintenance and repair work is designed to improve visitor enjoyment and satisfaction of the structures.

Work is limited to between mid-November and early February to avoid impacts to the ‘Ua’u, the endangered Hawaiian Petrel, that nest in these areas.