UPDATE: Mandatory evacuation ordered for residents of Kawaihae Village Subdivision because of wildland fire

This story was updated at 9:04 p.m. July 25, 2026.

Hawaiʻi County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Kawaihae Village subdivision earlier tonight because of a wildland fire in South Kohala.

The evacuation area covers approximately 50 residences near the junction of Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.

A shelter is open at Waimea Community Center, located at 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, in Waimea.

The wildland fire, which was reported at about 5:30 p.m. July 25, triggered a wildfire advisory issued by Hawai’i Fire Department and has burned about 500 acres as of about 9 p.m. Saturday on the south side of Kawaihae Road.

Road closures

The following roads are closed:

• Kawaihae Road from Waiʻula Drive to Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.
• Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway from Kawaihae Road to Mauna Kea Beach Drive.

The following roads are open for local traffic only:

• Kohala Mountain Road, Waikōloa Road and ʻAkoni Pule Road.

The county advises the public to avoid the area when possible and to expect traffic delays.

First responder and community safety

Emergency personnel are actively responding to the fire. Residents are urged to prioritize their safety by avoiding hazardous areas. Motorists who encounter emergency responders or road crews are reminded to allow the space to operate safely.

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Updates will be provided if and when conditions change.