Developing Landslide Chokes Pali-Kalanianaole Lifeline Between Town And Kailua

Traffic ground to a halt Friday morning on Oahu as a developing landslide shut down both Kalanianaole Highway and Pali Highway in both directions between Kapaa Quarry Road and Castle Junction. State crews arrived to assess the slope above the roadway, and drivers heading between Honolulu and the windward side were left dealing with major delays.

According to a post from Hawaii DOT on X, “kalanianaole/pali highway will be closed in both directions between kapaa quarry road and castle junction due to a developing landslide.” The agency issued the alert shortly before midday and said crews were actively responding to the situation.

Where the Closure Is and What to Expect

The shutdown covers the stretch between Kapaa Quarry Road and Castle Junction, a notorious pinch point where Kalanianaole Highway and Pali Highway connect with Kamehameha Highway and carry much of the traffic between Honolulu and Kailua. Past storms have sent mud, rocks and fallen trees onto this same corridor, triggering similar closures and overnight slope stabilization work, as reported by Hawaii News Now.

Past Closures and Common Detours

In earlier incidents when Pali and Kalanianaole highways have been closed, state transportation officials have pushed traffic onto Kamehameha Highway at Castle Junction and urged drivers to use Likelike Highway or the H-3 Freeway as alternate routes while crews clear debris. A December 2023 advisory from Hawai‘i DOT said those same detours were put in place while workers removed debris and inspected the hillside, and those options are often recommended whenever windward slopes show signs of instability.

Why Slopes Fail Here

Oahu’s steep windward cliffs are especially vulnerable when heavy rain soaks the ground, and the City’s hazard mitigation plan lists the Pali and Kalanianaole corridors as high-risk locations for rockfalls and landslides. The plan notes that intense or prolonged rainfall is the most common trigger for slope failures, which can suddenly dump debris onto the highway and temporarily cut off communities. Past events have kept these roads closed for hours or even days. Background on that risk is outlined by Honolulu DEM.

For the latest on reopening plans and detours, motorists are urged to watch Hawaii DOT traffic feeds and the department’s Oahu lane closures page, which tracks emergency slope work and construction across the island. Officials are expected to post updates as crews evaluate the hillside and clear any debris. Until then, drivers are advised to avoid the Kapaa Quarry Road to Castle Junction corridor if possible and rely on alternate routes. See HIDOT for rolling updates on Oahu lane closures.