HONOLULU, HI – Kunia Road on O‘ahu, Hawaii, has been re-opened to traffic after it was temporarily closed on Saturday morning due to a vegetation fire. The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced the closure on X, as smoke and flames were visible and air support was deployed to fight the blaze. No evacuation warnings were issued for this particular fire.
However, a separate and larger fire, the Kunia Road Fire, continues to burn nearby. This blaze, which ignited on Friday, has grown to approximately 413.6 acres, according to perimeter data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has stated that its Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is working with the Honolulu Fire Department and the Hawai‘i National Guard to contain the fire. The fire is affecting both private land and portions of the Honouliuli Forest Reserve in West O‘ahu.
As of the latest reports, no injuries or structural damage have been reported, and there is no immediate threat to people or property. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor local news for updates. The state has deployed 30 additional DOFAW firefighters from across the islands to assist in suppression efforts, using chainsaws and hand tools to create fire lines while helicopters drop water on the steep slopes.
DOFAW Administrator David Smith emphasized the environmental importance of the area. “Honouliuli is home to many endangered plants and animals and is an important watershed for the Wai‘anae mountains,” he said. “It is vital that we stop this fire and minimize damage to protect these high-value resources.”