Hanalei Bridge Emergency Road Repair Update

Hanalei Bridge area will be subject to delays from now until about September, while crews repair and reinforce the hillside just south of the bridge. These repairs are necessitated by erosion and debris falling on the highway. Hanalei Bridge is located past our Kauai vacation rentals at Princeville Resort on North Shore Kauai.

While fixing a recent landslide, State of Hawaii DOT found that the hillside was in need of immediate reinforcement in order to prevent further landslides. Loose hillside will be removed and when stable, a reinforcement net will be put in place. That work is expected to take four to five months. The DOT said “they will be stopping traffic in both directions for 45 min. periods to bring down unstable material and will run contraflowed traffic for 20 min. period.”

Update July 2019 – Road work will now be Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm. Previously, it was 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This makes getting to Hanalei much easier on your Kauai vacation.

Expect traffic delays when driving both north and south near the Hanalei Bridge.

Traffic on Kuhio Highway will use one shared alternating lane at all times until repairs are complete. The highway will also be closed in both directions during 30-45 minute periods while workers dislodge loose rocks and clear the highway.

Iconic Hanalei Bridge history.

Crossing the Hanalei River, it was originally constructed in 1895 and was most recently rebuilt in 2003, as an exact replica of the original. Prior to bridge, ferries were used to cross the rivers of the Hanalei valley.

Gorgeous North Shore Kauai beaches remain accessible.

Hanalei Bay. While you can expect delays, the beach is open and it is epic. One of the most famous of all Kauai beaches with its unforgettable view of Bali Hai, is two miles long. The crescent-shaped bay with our Hanalei rentals is a perfect lounging, sunning and ocean play spot, and offers kayaking, paddling and fabulous summer swimming. There are lifeguard stations and restrooms.

Here are many other incredible North Shore Kauai beaches for you to enjoy that are not subject to any traffic delays. Those include the following.

Secret beach is a favorite of our Kauai vacation rental guests, and is one of the widest and longest of all Kauai beaches. It is set on a beautiful location with sheer cliffs, palm trees, waterfalls and beautiful sand. It is a fairly easy walk to the beach, but can be steep, so good shoes are suggested. In summer conditions, sometimes swimming is possible. There is no lifeguard on duty and no restrooms. Nearby is Kilauea Lighthouse, and the town of Kilauea, with options for Kauai dining, and the uniquely tropical Kauai Mini-Golf.

Anini Beach. This is one of the most loved North Shore Kauai beaches, not far from Princeville Resort. The longest and widest protected reef in Hawaii makes for great shore snorkeling and swimming in safe, shallow water during summer conditions. Anini features beautiful turquoise water, beautiful sand and tropical fish. The drive too is beautiful along the water. Once on the sand, enjoy up to three miles of beach walks, and lawns for picnicking. Facilities include bathrooms, showers, picnic shelters and adequate parking. No lifeguard.

Queen’s Bath. Renowned as a fabulous summer-only spot to be enjoyed when the ocean surface is calm. It is dangerous any time when surf is present. When conditions are right, this becomes a tropical fish paradisaical tide pool to watch and enjoy. Queens Bath is a 25 minute hike from the road. You will find the trail head within a residential area near some our Princeville rentals. Access and parking have been an issue and there is a gate which when locked indicates conditions are unsafe.

Hideaways Beach. Two beaches in one, split by a rocky point and set beneath our Princeville condos. The beach features glorious golden sand with views of Bali Hai. When ocean conditions are calm, Kauai snorkeling is possible, and there is shade when you seek retreat from the sun. You will find limited parking at the trail head and the beach is a steep climb down. Read our post for details on how to access the beach. No lifeguard or restrooms.

Puu Poa Beach is set just below Hanalei Bay Resort and our Kauai vacation rentals there. These two Bali Hai view Kauai beaches also front the St. Regis Princeville Resort. Access if via a 200 foot hike down from the bluff above, with a choice of paved path or stairs. Popular for sunning and snorkeling, but not swimming. In summer, a sandbar sometimes connects Puu Poa to Black Pot Beach and Hanalei Bay. The walk and beach were seen in The Descendents.