Kawaihae Road Fire Sunday update #3: Blaze under control; roads reopened
The South Kohala fire scorched approximately 680 acres on the south side of Kawaihae Road.
5 hours ago
Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 26, 2026, at 5:48 p.m.
Hawai‘i County Firefighters have gained control of a blaze in South Kohala that scorched approximately 680 acres on the south side of Kawaihae Road, causing road closures and evacuations.
Kawaihae Road is no longer needed for firefighting operations and reopened to all traffic at 5:30 p.m.
Residents from the Kawaihae Village subdivision, as well as campers at Spencer Beach Park, were evacuated from the area on Saturday when the blaze erupted. The evactuation was lifted Sunday morning and early afternoon.
Two people utilized a shelter that opened at the Waimea Community Center.
“Our firefighters, road crews and partners are working closely to protect our community, and some roadblocks remain in effect so that they can continue to operate safely as the fire remains active,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “While the evacuation order has been lifted, we ask that residents continue following all emergency messages and we will provide updates as soon as they are available.”
Alameda said the Hawai‘i National Guard provided aerial support, doing water drops with its Black Hawk helicopter.
On Sunday morning, a fire break was being completed, and Hawai‘i County Fire helicopters were also conducting water drops. About 30 Hawai‘i County firefighters were on scene today.
