UPDATE: ‘Akaka Falls State Park to Close for Repairs

UPDATE: Oct. 12, 2017

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks told Big Island Now that the damage was caused by a previous contractor.

The cost of repairs is being covered by the contractor’s insurance company and is not being borne by the state.

ORIGINAL POST: Oct. 11, 2017

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks will conduct repair work to the .4-mile loop trail at ‘Akaka Falls State Park Monday through Friday, Oct. 16 to 20, 2017.

Repairs are needed due to the accidental damage caused by the removal of invasive albizia trees in February.

Site Engineering was selected as contractor at a cost estimate of $297,400.

Work is expected to be completed in December.

Initial repair work began last week on the longer trail section that is to the right of the loop trail starting point that was closed after the damage. Workers are removing and repairing damaged concrete walkways and steps, and replacing railings

The park will be completely closed from Oct.16 to 20 for work on the shorter, left side of the trail to the ‘Akaka Falls lookout.

If additional closure is needed, an announcement will be issued.

Aside from the closure dates, access to the Akaka Falls lookout area may be interrupted along the shorter, open walkway path due to equipment and/or material transport to the damaged areas.

The park offers a pleasant family walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. It requires some physical exertion and will take about 30 minutes to complete the full loop.

The paved route, which includes multiple steps in places (not wheelchair accessible), makes an easy-to-follow loop offering stunning viewpoints of the two waterfalls.

To view ‘Akaka Falls only, take the path to the left (south) from the first junction. The waterfall view is just a short walk down the path.

For more information, go online.

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR

Akaka Falls State Park pathway damage, early 2017. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR