© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pali Highway landslide could close town-bound lanes through Christmas weekend

Oʻahu drivers should be aware that the Honolulu-bound lanes of Pali Highway are still closed as crews remove debris and assess damage from a landslide Wednesday afternoon.

The rain-fueled landslide with thick mud and fallen trees occurred about 100 yards past the second tunnel.

One lane on the Kailua-bound side was also closed Wednesday. Intermittent closures of one Kailua-bound lane may be required during further debris removal.

Crews assess and remove debris from a landslide on the Pali Highway. (Dec. 21, 2023)
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation
Crews assess and remove debris from a landslide on the Pali Highway. (Dec. 21, 2023)

The town-bound closure and traffic diversion to Kamehameha Highway at Castle Junction "could potentially continue through the weekend," the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said.

An inspection of the drainage ditch above the hillside found it in good condition. Additional inspections, once all the vegetation is removed, are required before the town-bound lanes can open, the department said.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Likelike Highway or the H-3 to travel between the windward side and Honolulu until further notice.

This is a developing story.

Sophia McCullough is a digital news producer. Contact her at news@hawaiipublicradio.org.
Related Stories