Hawaiʻi Highway and Airport impact updates as Lala makes an exit

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reports the following updates on responses to impacts from Tropical Storm Lala on the state’s transportation routes, airports and commercial harbors.

Highways

Many highways across the state continue to be impacted by downed trees, debris, flooding and power outages affecting traffic signals. If encountering a flashing or dark traffic signal, please treat as a four-way-stop. Please also continue to refrain from unnecessary travel and use caution if driving is unavoidable, as several vehicle crashes have been reported across the state.

As of 2:30 p.m. on Hawai‘i Island, a section of Māmalahoa Highway (Route 11) is washed out between mile marker 49.3 and 49.4 in Pāhala, with a section of roadway gone. The bridge structure is intact and debris and mud are expected to be cleared by morning, on Monday, Aug. 17. Nā`ālehu remains isolated, with Route 11 also blocked between mile marker 56.5 and 62 on the Hilo side and between mile marker 71 and 76 on the Kona side, where utility lines remain across the roadway.

On Maui, Crater Road (Route 378), is closed between mile marker 2 to 8 due to multiple downed trees and crews continue to work on removing a larger tree at mile marker 6 on Kekaulike Avenue (Route 377) in Kula. On Hāna Highway (Route 360), crews continue to clear trees and debris in different areas, local only traffic is advised.

On O‘ahu, Pali Highway (Route 61) is closed in both directions from Castle Junction to Waokanaka Street. Honolulu-bound lanes are closed due to fallen trees and Kailua bound lanes are closed due to fallen trees and landslides. A large tree is also down on Kamehameha Highway (Route 99) at the Mililani McDonald’s. Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) is closed in both directions at Malaekahana State Park due to power lines on the road.

On Kaua‘i, the Hanalei Bridge is closed due to flooding in Hanalei River.

For additional road closure information, see https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/

Airports

All airports are now open, but some flights are still being canceled or are experiencing delays. The Hilo Airport (ITO) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) reopened this morning after airport personnel completed runway and terminal inspections. Passengers should check with their airline on flight status before going to the airport and should plan ahead for longer wait times to check in and clear security screening.

Commercial Harbors 

All commercial harbors statewide have reopened as of 4 p.m. HST.

As situations change, notices will be sent and updates will be provided on https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/ and HDOT’s social media accounts.