Final Route for Honoapiʻilani Highway realignment

The latest plans for the West Maui Highway, specifically the Honoapiilani Highway realignment, focus on relocating a six-mile stretch of the highway from around Milepost 11 near Pāpalaua Wayside Park to Launiupoko (Milepost 17). This project aims to address chronic erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise impacts by moving the highway further mauka (inland) away from the coast to create a more resilient transportation system.

Key details include:

• The new highway will be a two-lane, limited-access road with about 140 feet of right-of-way.

• It includes a shared-use pathway for pedestrians and bicycles, and the addition of a second signalized intersection at Ehehene Street in Ukumehame.

• A bridge will replace a culvert crossing over the Awalua Stream.

• Some route shifts were made to minimize archaeological impact.

• The existing Honoapiilani Highway will become a local road serving homes and businesses.

• The estimated construction cost is approximately $298 million, nearly double original estimates due to rising costs and project scope expansions.

• Construction is expected to begin in 2028.

• The project has completed its final environmental impact statement and is moving forward with design-build procurement.

• The highway improvements are critically needed to enhance reliability amid climate change impacts and provide safer evacuation routes for residents and visitors.

Overall, this major infrastructure project is designed to safeguard West Maui's primary coastal highway from future sea-level rise and storm damage while improving multi-modal access for the community.

Resources:

https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2025/01/state-proposes-new-route-for-west-maui-highway/

https://youtu.be/Cdv8R1whv2k