Traffic through Princeville ground to a halt Tuesday afternoon after a two-vehicle collision on Kūhiō Highway near Kapaka Street left both drivers injured and shut down the roadway while first responders rushed to the scene.
How the U-turn collision unfolded
At about 3:15 p.m., a southbound 2024 Toyota SUV struck the passenger side of a northbound 2014 Chevrolet SUV that was attempting a U-turn at the Kapaka Street intersection, sending the Toyota off the southbound shoulder, according to Kauaʻi Now. Officers from the Kauaʻi Police Department Traffic Safety Section stayed on scene to document the crash and collect evidence.
Injuries and response
Both drivers were transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Police say the Toyota driver, a 24-year-old woman from Kapaʻa, was treated and released, while the 79-year-old Princeville man driving the Chevrolet was admitted for observation, according to a Kauaʻi Police Department update.
Investigation and witness appeal
Kūhiō Highway was closed in both directions for about 45 minutes while officers surveyed the scene. Investigators say speed does not appear to have contributed to the crash, and toxicology results are still pending, according to Kauaʻi Now. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Himongala at (808) 241-1617 or Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at (808) 246-8300.
Local context
The stretch of Kūhiō Highway that feeds into Princeville has been a focus of safety and capacity projects in recent years. The Hawaii Department of Transportation previously announced shoulder widening and lane improvements between Ka Haku Road and Kapaka Street aimed at easing congestion and improving safety, according to the Hawaii DOT. The latest crash underscores the ongoing challenge of managing a scenic coastal road that also carries heavy local and visitor traffic on Kauaʻi’s North Shore.
