Everyone who comes to Kauai becomes aware of the Kauai Convoy; the convoy system which is currently in operation so people (locals & visitors alike) can get to and from Hanalei & the rest of the most northern part of the island. This is the Kauai Convoy Information Update.
Hanalei Valley View by Jason Weingardt on Unsplash
Brief History
Landslide photo taken by DOT on Mar 11 2021
Many are familiar with the photo above which circulated far & wide right after the incident. On March 11 2021, a landslide occurred on the hill above Hanalei, on the outskirts of Princeville. The following is information lifted from the Hawaii Department of Transportation giving full info on the Kauai Convoy Information Update.
ACCESS SCHEDULE
Access to Kuhio Highway (Route 560) past Mile Marker 1 leading to Hanalei Bridge is on the schedule below. Vehicles will be escorted through the work zone by a pilot vehicle. Please be advised that you will not be able to drive through the landslide work zone at times outside of the schedule.
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri beginning Wednesday, June 2:
Public access:
5:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)
5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)
Every Saturday beginning May 15:
Public access:
5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Every Sunday and State Holiday (no change to current schedule):
Public access:
5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hanalei side goes first)
LATEST UPDATE
Work progress as of 6/15/2021:
- 493 out of 548 planned soil nails to anchor slope have been drilled into place and grouted.
- Top two rows have been substantially completed, working on third row.
- Weight restriction to highway above the slide increased to 10 tons.
- Design on lower portion of anchor wall and drainage system continues.
…as I’m sure there will be more updates after today’s date.
How long will the convoy have to continue?
Good question and one which the Hawaii DOT is reluctant to answer. If you have waited in the convoy line (not that long most of the time) you will probably wonder how they are even doing what they are doing and come to the same conclusion as most of us; it’s going to be awhile! So if your trip is not for awhile yet, check back here to get the Kauai Convoy Information update.
It’s worth it!
Some may be wondering if it’s worth it; waiting in line so you can get to Hanalei. My answer is Yes! Oh yes! Hanalei is the prettiest town on Kauai and the beaches from Hanalei to Ke’e are some of the finest if not the finest on island. So yes, it’s worth it to get to Tunnels and Ke’e and Lumahai (see my beaches guides: Top 10, Family Friendly beaches, Most Romantic beaches and Best Shell beaches )
Welcome to Kauai !
