Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve reopening delayed

Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources and its community partners are completing final steps to reopen Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve in waters off the west side of Hawaiʻi Island; however, the time frame was pushed back.

The reopening is now anticipated by the end of 2026.

Protection of significant gains during the 10-year closure is key. The reserve was closed in 2016 to marine life harvesting in an effort to allow depleted coral reefs and fish populations to recover — known as the community-driven “Try Wait” rest period.

It was eligible to reopen as early as July, but community partners — in collaboration with Division of Aquatic Resources marine biologists — determined additional time is needed to finalize the Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan, develop implementation strategies and complete a co-management agreement.

“Hui Kahuwai remains committed to reopening the area to fishing in 2026 and continues to participate in discussions regarding implementation of the fisheries management plan, including outreach materials, education and co-management efforts,” said Hui Kahuwai Executive Director Rebecca Most in a state release. “We have been inspired by the return of ʻāina momona to these waters and want to make sure it can feed the community in a sustainable way for the long term.”

Biological monitoring indicates the 10-year closure produced substantial ecological benefits.

Surveys documented resource fish — species commonly harvested for food — increasing in biomass by as much as 200% in some areas. Additional information about monitoring results and data analysis is available on the Division of Aquatic Resources website.

“We want to make sure the gains from the ‘Try Wait’ period are preserved while also ensuring people are able to fish responsibly in this important place,” said Division of Aquatic Resources West Hawaiʻi Aquatic Biologist Chris Teague in the release. “It’s important to take the necessary time to collaborate with our partners on the best management tools to achieve those goals.”

Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve protects a 3.6-mile stretch of the Kona Coast, extending from the shoreline to a depth of 120 feet. The reserve was established after decades of community-led stewardship efforts to restore marine resources and ensure a sustainable fishery for future generations.

Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee — whose members include area kūpuna, representatives from stakeholder groups and Hui Kahuwai, the nonprofit stewardship organization created by the advisory committee — worked closely for the past decade with Division of Aquatic Resources and other partners.

Their efforts resulted in a fisheries management plan designed to support sustainable harvesting once the area reopens.

Hui Kahuwai conducted extensive community outreach, including more than 250 meetings and events, gathering recommendations from ʻohana, local fishers, West Hawaiʻi residents, researchers and educators.

Multiple drafts of the fisheries management plan and proposed administrative rules were shared for public review since 2023, including Division of Aquatic Resources public scoping meetings in June 2025.

Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources in February approved moving forward with public hearings for the proposed Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Area. Division of Aquatic Resources conducted two public hearings in April.

Most testimony supported the proposed management area and accompanying rules; however, additional time is needed to incorporate public feedback and complete the implementation framework before reopening the fishery.

“On behalf of [Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources], [Division of Aquatic Resources] and Hui Kahuwai, I want to thank the people of Hawaiʻi Island for their continued patience and support as work continues to establish a sustainable, community-supported fishery at Kaʻūpūlehu,” said Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator Brian Neilson in the release.

The closure will remain in effect until Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources adopts the proposed Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Area rules, which are anticipated to take effect later this year.

Visit the Division of Aquatic Resources website for updates.

Click here to view the current draft Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan and get additional information. You can also read the most recent Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources submittal on the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources website.