Motorists traveling along Oahu’s North Shore should prepare for nightly full closures of Kamehameha Highway near Waimea Bay beginning Wednesday, March 18, as the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) undertakes urgent slope stabilization work. The closures, impacting approximately 600 feet of the highway between the Waimea Bay parking lot and ‘Iliohu Way, are necessary after recent heavy rains and vegetation loss from a recent storm destabilized the hillside. This ongoing situation requires a phased approach to ensure the safety of the roadway and those who use it.
Starting at 8 p.m. Each night, both lanes of Kamehameha Highway will be fully closed until 4:59 a.m. The following day. From 5 a.m. To 7:59 p.m., the mauka/northbound lane will reopen with alternating traffic control – a contraflow pattern – managed by flaggers. These restrictions are expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks while crews work on interim stabilization measures. Pedestrians will be permitted through the closure area, but are advised to exercise caution.
Immediate Concerns and Long-Term Solutions
The immediate concern stems from the continued sloughing of the slope’s surface, exacerbated by the recent Kona low storm system. HDOT engineers have inspected the road and determined This proves currently stable, but the ongoing erosion poses a threat to the highway’s integrity. The full closures are intended to minimize further impact to the slope and provide safe access for construction crews.
Looking ahead, HDOT is designing a long-term stabilization system that will involve a concrete face anchored with tensioned steel rods drilled 50 to 60 feet into the slope. This system is designed to stabilize the soil while allowing for vegetation to regrow, blending the repair with the natural landscape. The long-term solution aims to prevent future erosion and ensure the highway’s long-term safety.
Detour Routes and Traffic Alerts
To accommodate the closures, HDOT is advising drivers to utilize alternate routes. For those traveling from west/central O‘ahu to Ko‘olauloa, the recommended detour is to take H-3/Likelike Highway to Kamehameha Highway through Kāne‘ohe, Ka‘a‘awa, and Lā‘ie. Drivers heading from the Kahuku/Lā‘ie side toward Hale‘iwa should take H-3/Likelike toward Honolulu, then connect to H-1 west and H-2 north to reach Kamehameha Highway via Wahiawā.
HDOT is activating permanent electronic message boards in Waikele, Ka‘amilo, Pu‘uloa, and Liliha to alert drivers to the full closures and direct them to these alternate routes. Motorists are encouraged to check HDOT’s website for real-time traffic updates and potential changes to the closure schedule.
Reporting Highway Issues and Contact Information
Residents who observe damage on state roads are encouraged to report it to HDOT. Contact information for each island is as follows:
- O‘ahu: 808-831-6714 or [email protected]
- Maui: 808-873-3535 or [email protected]
- Kaua‘i: 808-241-3000 or [email protected]
- Hawai‘i Island: 808-933-8866 or [email protected]
- Statewide (after hours): 808-485-6200
The Kamehameha Highway closures represent a proactive measure by HDOT to address a developing safety concern. The agency anticipates providing an update on the interim stabilization progress in approximately two weeks. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, allow for extra travel time, and heed all traffic control measures in the area.
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