Kamehameha Highway Closed After Boulders Fall Near Waimea Bay

Crews work to clear debris and assess slope stability after Friday afternoon rockslide.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:37am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a winding mountain highway surrounded by towering, fog-shrouded peaks, with massive boulders looming in the foreground, conveying the overwhelming power and unpredictability of nature.A dramatic rockslide on Oahu's North Shore disrupts access to popular beaches and attractions, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure in Hawaii's rugged terrain.Waimea Today

The Hawaii Department of Transportation has closed Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay after two large boulders fell from the slope above the highway around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026. Slope assessments and debris removal are underway, and the highway is expected to remain closed throughout the night as crews work to clear the area and inspect the slope for any additional hazards.

Why it matters

Kamehameha Highway is a major thoroughfare on Oahu's North Shore, connecting the towns of Haleiwa and Kahuku. The closure will disrupt traffic and access to popular beaches and attractions in the area, including Waimea Bay, a renowned surf spot. Ensuring public safety is the top priority as crews work to stabilize the slope and remove any remaining loose debris.

The details

The highway closure was prompted by the fall of two large boulders from the slope above Kamehameha Highway near Waimea Bay. HDOT crews are now working to place steel plates on the highway to protect a nearby waterline, remove any additional loose material from the slopes, break up the fallen boulders for removal, and thoroughly assess the characteristics and stability of the slope.

  • The boulders fell around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • HDOT estimates the full closure will remain in place throughout the night on April 10.

The players

Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining Hawaii's transportation infrastructure, including highways, roads, and bridges.

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What’s next

HDOT will provide additional updates as the work to clear the debris and assess the slope progresses. The highway is expected to remain closed at least through Saturday, April 11.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of ongoing slope maintenance and monitoring in Hawaii's mountainous terrain, where rockslides can pose a serious threat to public safety and disrupt critical transportation routes. The closure will impact access to popular North Shore destinations, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure and emergency response plans in Hawaii's coastal communities.