PHOTOS: Waiohonu Bridge Opens, Retains Historic Configuration

Waiohonu Bridge, photo courtesy County of Maui / Ryan Piros.

By Wendy Osher

A blessing and dedication ceremony was held on Thursday for the newly completed Waiohonu Bridge near mile marker 48 of the Hāna Highway in East Maui.

County officials say the $2.5 million project included removal of the existing bridge and rock wall, removal of a temporary detour bridge, and re-installation of a water line.

The bridge retained the configuration of the original structure, as required by a preservation plan prepared in 2001 for the historic bridges in East Maui.

“The only difference is that the new bridge is constructed using a post-tensioned concrete slab and supported by two piers and two abutments,” said county officials.

The original bridge, located three miles south of Hāna town, was reportedly constructed in 1915 out of reinforced concrete.

A temporary bridge opened to traffic in February of 2011, and construction on the new replacement bridge began in April of 2012.

According to county officials, the project was scheduled for completion in March, but was extended three months in part because of weather delays.

Waiohonu Bridge, photo courtesy County of Maui / Ryan Piros.