Department of Land and Natural Resources

For Immediate News Release August 2, 2018                                                                                                                                                

 Hikers May Experience Construction Activity and Delays

(Honolulu) – Construction work is planned along the popular Makapu‘u trail within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline starting next week: Monday August 6 through Friday August 10, and Monday August 13 through Thursday August 16.

The trail will remain open while work is being done, but hikers should expect trucks and equipment on the roadway between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. No work will be conducted on the weekends or the Statehood holiday weekend of August 17-19.

Makapu‘u trail repaving was last done in 2017, but during several recent episodes of heavy rain, mud has washed onto the roadway in two locations. To address this run-off, drainage improvements will be made along the edge of the asphalt roadway. New swales will be installed at two locations along the trail to direct water into the existing drainage ditches along the road.

“We ask the public’s patience as we continue to address road conditions and hiker safety along the Makapu‘u trail. Efforts are being made to minimize the impact to the hundreds of hikers on the trail everyday but we ask everyone’s cooperation to follow the signs and safety instructions during the construction work. The drainage improvements will extend the life of the roadway and promote visitor safety during and after heavy rains,” said Curt Cottrell, State Parks administrator.

The project will cost under $15,000.

The Makapu‘u Trail is a popular hike for families with strollers and hikers with dogs. Dog owners are advised to always remove their dog’s waste from the trail and dispose of it properly. 

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Media contact:

AJ McWhorter

DLNR Communications Specialist

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

[email protected]

[email protected]

808-587-0396 (Communications Office)

808-587-0418 (Direct Line)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov