UPDATE: Evacuation orders lifted for The Lofts in Waikōloa; community no longer threatened by wildland fire

This story was updated at 7:56 p.m. July 10, 2026.

Hawai‘i Fire Department continues to battle a wildland fire in South Kohala near the Waikōloa area, and fortunately, Waikōloa Village no longer is under threat from the blaze.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense reported in a message shortly after 7 p.m. that Fire Department officials say the fire — which caused a wildfire warning to be issued earlier today — is now moving south away from the community.

Therefore, limited evacuation orders issued earlier tonight were lifted for Buildings 4 and 5 at apartment building The Lofts on Pua Melia Street. Residents are clear to return.

An evacuation shelter previously opened also will be closed at Waikōloa Elementary School cafeteria, located at 68-1730 Hoʻokō St.

Waikōloa Road from Paniolo Avenue to Highway 190 continues to be closed. Hawai’i Police Department advises motorists to expect delays and avoid the area.

Only local traffic is allowed on Waikōloa Road from Paniolo Avenue to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.

The office of Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda says no injuries have been reported and there is no imminent threat to developed residential areas in Waikōloa.

Hawai‘i Fire Department and volunteer firefighters responded at about 4:20 p.m. today to the fire on the south side of Waikōloa Road. They attacked the blaze with helicopters, fire engines, a tanker and brush trucks.

They continue to fight the fire, which as of 6:30 p.m. today involved about 200 acres. South-to-southwest winds were blowing it away from the village.

No buildings or infrastructure were burned.

“The aggressive response by firefighters helped to quickly limit the hazard, but we’re urging residents to pay attention for any additional alerts if conditions change,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in his office’s fire update. “If you encounter emergency responders or road crews, please allow them space to operate safely and expect some traffic congestion.”

Sign up online to receive emergency notifications via phone, email or text.

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website or Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization website for additional information about fire prevention and preparedness.

“As we move further into the dry season, it’s important that residents take steps to reduce fire risk, and everyone should have a plan in case they need to quickly leave an area threatened by fire,” said Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno in the mayor’s office update.

More information will be provided if and when available. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense is providing updates as conditions change.