Traffic volumes have returned to pre-pandemic numbers throughout major state routes. The state Department of Transportation has been monitoring traffic volumes during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
They compared the numbers from 2020 and 2021 to 2019, before the pandemic.
Hawaiʻi Island is nearly back to pre-pandemic traffic. Major routes had only 1-5% fewer cars on the road in mid-December compared to the 2019 average.
Most major routes on Oʻahu have returned to pre-pandemic traffic. Traffic on the H-1 near the airport is still significantly reduced. Some parts of the freeway were down by 21% compared to 2019.
While most major roads on Maui have fewer cars on the road, Route 380 has seen more traffic than before the pandemic since May 2021. Mid-December counts saw 7% more traffic than the 2019 average.
Kauaʻi is continuing to experience less traffic compared to 2019. Areas around Nawiliwili Road are the closest to returning to pre-pandemic traffic.
