If you were planning to cruise through Kahala next Saturday, you might want a backup plan. Honolulu drivers are being warned to expect lane closures, detours and a flood of golf fans near Waialae Country Club as the Sony Open reshapes traffic along Kahala Avenue. Shuttle drop offs and designated spectator parking will change normal traffic patterns along Kahala Avenue between Pueo Street and Kealaolu Avenue, with heavier pedestrian activity and slower travel expected throughout the neighborhood, as reported by the Honolulu Police Department.
In a traffic advisory posted on its Facebook page, the Honolulu Police Department said it will conduct traffic control near Waialae Country Club and close the eastbound lane of Kahala Avenue between Pueo Street and Kealaolu Avenue for shuttle drop offs. Controls are set from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with eastbound traffic detoured mauka onto Pueo Street. The advisory tells drivers to expect increased traffic and suggests staying away from the area during those hours if they can.
Shuttles and Spectator Parking
According to the tournament’s Sony Open in Hawaii directions, free spectator parking will be available at Kahala Community Park from Thursday through Sunday, and a shuttle will run from the corner of Pueo Street and Moa Street to Kealaolu and Kahala avenues. The Sony Open notes there is no public parking at Waialae Country Club and that the designated drop off location for disabled spectators is the pro shop parking lot next to the main entrance. For venue details and to confirm the address, Waialae Country Club lists its clubhouse at 4997 Kahala Avenue.
Closures, Detours and Local Access
The Honolulu Police Department advisory also explains that a section of Kahala Avenue will be closed for shuttle drop offs and restricted to local traffic only, and that makai travel on Pueo Street will be limited to residents and local traffic. Vehicles exiting Kahala Avenue will be directed to turn right. Access to Waialae Country Club, the Kahala Hotel and Waialae Beach Park will be routed via Kealahou and Kealaolu avenues to keep cars moving as smoothly as possible. HPD is reminding everyone to follow temporary signs and listen to traffic control personnel in the area.
How to Dodge the Delays
Organizers recommend that visitors skip the hunt for street parking and instead use the free Kahala Community Park shuttle, the Waikiki Trolley Sony Open shuttle or public transit to get to the course. They also advise building in extra travel time if you have to pass through Kahala during the control hours.
The Sony Open in Hawaii directions also highlight a complimentary bike valet near the main entrance for cyclists and list specific Waikiki Trolley stops that serve the event shuttles. Residents along the detour routes should be ready for intermittent delays and a noticeable bump in foot traffic while the controls are in place.
For the latest word on lane closures and shuttle schedules, drivers are urged to check social updates from the Honolulu Police Department and the Sony Open in Hawaii directions before heading out. With the heaviest impacts slated between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. next Saturday, picking an alternate route or hopping on transit will likely save most travelers some time and frustration.
