South Kihei Road reopens ahead of schedule following Kona low repairs

SOUTH KIHEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – South Kīhei Road reopened ahead of schedule Tuesday morning following extensive repairs from a destructive Kona low storm.

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The road saw its first vehicles pass near Kamaʻole II Beach Park at 11:25 a.m., officials said.

The March storm overwhelmed the drainage system, causing extensive damage — including a massive sinkhole — on a roughly 150-foot section of roadway.

Repair work was expected to last into the fall, and included:

Pedestrians are asked to avoid closed areas.

The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation said the beach and park, including bathrooms, were also reopened, although sensitive park areas remain barricaded to protect sensitive hydromulching work that promotes regrowing grass and native plants.

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Local businesses and restaurants in the area remained open throughout the construction.

They were supported by the County of Maui Office of Recovery through strategic detour signs, radio promotions, and partial rental assistance for eligible merchants, officials said.

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