Kawaihae Road Fire Sunday update #1: Blaze is now 50% contained; evacuation order lifted
Spencer Beach Park remains closed as of this morning, said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda.
6 hours ago
Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 26, 2026, at 10:48 a.m.
Hawai‘i County Firefighters continue to battle a blaze in South Kohala that has scorched approximately 680 acres on the south side of Kawaihae Road and is currently 50% contained.
Residents evacuated from the Kawaihae Village subdivision on Saturday will be permitted to return home, however, Kawaihae Road and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway remain closed to all other traffic to facilitate firefighting operations.
The Shelter at the Waimea Community Center will close today at noon.
For access to Kawaihae Harbor and Akoni Pule Highway, a detour has been established through Kohala Ranch Road.
“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.”
Spencer Beach Park will reopen at noon.
Alameda said the Hawai‘i National Guard is providing aerial support and has done one 600-gallon water drop so far 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 are on scene.
Kawaihae Road between Wailua Drive and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway between Kawaihae Road and Mauna Kea Beach Road remain closed.
Alameda said that firefighters continue to work on containment by securing the perimeter with dozers and creating fire breaks.
Highway 190, the upper road between Waimea and Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Road, and Kohala Mountain Road are open. For access to Kawaihae Harbor and Akoni Pule Highway, a detour has been established through Kohala Ranch Road.
The public is asked to continue to avoid the area as firefighters continue to battle active flames.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
