Restoration of Pohoiki Road begins after lava inundation during 2018 Kīlauea eruption

Work to restore Pohoiki Road after being inundated by lava during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption has begun.

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works issued a notice to proceed to Nan, Inc. On Aug. 25, the contractor began establishing a staging area at the intersection of Pāhoa-Kapoho Road and Pohoiki Road and bringing in heavy equipment.

The project involves the restoration of 4.5 miles of roadway and water lines that will return water service to Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park. It is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2027.

“The restoration of Pohoiki Road represents a major investment in the infrastructure of lower Puna following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Through this project, and the ongoing restoration of Highway 137, communities will once again be reconnected and water service will be restored to Isaac Hale Beach Park.”

Meanwhile, Isemoto Contracting continues grading work along a 3.6-mile-long segment of Highway 137 that was inundated by lava. The Highway 137 restoration project, which also includes waterline restoration, is anticipated to be complete in the third quarter of 2026.

To keep residents updated on these projects, the Department of Public Works will resume monthly community meetings via Zoom every third Friday at noon starting Sept. 19. These sessions will provide progress reports and allow the community to ask questions. Meeting details, including participation links, can be found here.

Combined, the two road and waterline restoration projects (Highway 137 and Pohoiki Road) will cost about $50 million, with 75% of the amount covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The County is using recovery funds from the State to cover the 25% local match.