County officials in Maui announced Oct. 4, 2008 that the Pi'ilani Highway beyond Kipahulu has reopened allowing residents and visitors to travel the direct route from Hana to Upcountry. After almost two years of uncertainty, delays, frustration and waiting, the county's barricade at Lelekea Bay on Pi'ilani Highway is gone. The isolated rural communities of Kaupo, Kipahulu and Hana are reconnected by road nearly two years after a pair of earthquakes jarred the islands on Oct. 15, 2006.

The Maui News reports, "The boulders are cleared. The unstable cliff faces are braced with steel netting. Road bases are repaired and reinforced with concrete. Maui County reopened more than 10 miles of East Maui road Saturday."

The road was closed in December 2006 due to damage from the earthquakes. Rock slides and undermined roads were the main reasons for the closure. The final project, rock stabilization and road repair at Kalepa and Alelele, has now been completed.

More Information: View Maui News article...

Beginning Aug. 1, a portion of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be closed for two years to allow the land to recover from damage caused by overuse. Trails to popular snorkeling spots Kalaeloa, known as the "Aquarium," Mokuha, also known as the "Fishbowl" and the trail to Kalua o Lapa (cinder cone area) will be closed. These areas have long been sore spots for preservationists and residents who witness damage to these fragile ecosystems due to excessive use.

Those spots that will remain open are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along Ahihi Bay and the "Dumps" surfbreak. La Perouse Bay and areas outside the reserve are also not affected.

About 100 signs will be posted to let visitors know which areas are restricted. Reserve staff and rangers will also be out in increased numbers to monitor the situation.

Hana Bay's crumbling pier will soon be a thing of the past. A $20 million project to replace the damaged structure is scheduled to begin in the near future. An additional $3 million has been allotted for a new boat launch as well. These funds were part of a larger $118.3 million bill primarily aimed at renovating the Kahului Harbor over the next six years which was signed into law in late June.

Part of the improvements include repairing the breakwater, installing a loading dock and building a boat wash-down area. One of the primary concerns in repairing the pier is keeping a life line open between Hana and nearby residents in case another earthquake like the one in 2006 should cut them off from the rest of the island. The pier would also be useful in bringing in supplies and equipment that cannot traverse the long and windy Hana Highway.

All of June 2009
Kaumahina Wayside Park will be closed for maintenance during June 2009. You can read more information about the closure here.