UPDATE: West Hawai’i Beaches Begin to Reopen

***Updated story at 2:20 p.m. with the opening of several West Hawai’i beaches and parks.***

Several beaches and parks in West Hawai’i have reopened after several days of dangerous high surf.

Jason Armstrong, spokesman for the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said Tuesday afternoon that Kailua Park, also known as Old Kona Airport Park, La’aloa (Magic Sands), and Kapa’a Beach Park have opened up. Kahalu’u Beach Park opened at 1 p.m., and all but the northern end of the park are accessible to the public.

Several beach parks remain closed, including Kohanaiki, Ooma, and Mahukona. Armstrong said that substantial damage was reported at the Mahukona Beach Ramp.

All state beaches and beach parks have opened up, according to a post on the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ website. That includes Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Lapakahi State Historical Park, and Kekaha Kai State Park.

Additionally, the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority says that OTEC reopened to the public Monday morning.

***Original story posted at 9:15 a.m.***

The National Weather Service canceled the High Surf Advisory for west facing shores on the Big Island Monday.

Both County and State park officials are continuing to conduct damage assessments in addition to clean-up operations at many of the beach parks closed since last week.

As surf conditions continue to improve and clean-up efforts completed, officials will reopen the closed parks.

Since the efforts are ongoing, County and State park officials suggest calling State Beach Parks at 961-9540 and County Beach Parks at 961-8311 to get updates throughout the day on the status or opening updates for beach parks.

We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.