UPDATE: Police report Hawaiʻi Belt Road is reopen to all traffic at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch

Update at 3:45 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026: Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that Hawaiʻi Belt Road, also known as Highway 19, is reopen to all traffic at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch south of Paʻauilo. One lane was previously closed after an unsecured load fell onto the roadway and blocked a portion of the highway.

Hawaiʻi Police Department thanks the public for its cooperation while part of the roadway was closed and traffic flow had to be adjusted.

Story originally posted at 10:05 a.m. Feb. 21, 2026: Big Island motorists are being advised to AVOID Hawaiʻi Belt Road, also known as Highway 19, at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch south of Paʻauilo in East Hawaiʻi because of an unsecured load falling and blocking one lane of the roadway.

Police advise drivers to stay away from the area for at least the next 2 hours. Traffic is being contra-flowed in the area of the blocked lane, so if you must use the roadway, expect a longer commute time.