LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin construction of road and parking improvements at Waimea Canyon State Park lookout on Monday, a news release says. The improvements will include reconstruction of the lookout’s entry road,
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin construction of road and parking improvements at Waimea Canyon State Park lookout on Monday, a news release says.
The improvements will include reconstruction of the lookout’s entry road, repaving of the existing parking area, and drainage improvements.
The lookout will be closed from May 9 to May 23 to allow demolition and paving work on the entry road.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of our park visitors during construction activities and we will try to reopen the lookout sooner as weather permits and work has progressed.” said Dan Quinn, state parks administrator.
The project will continue after the lookout reopens to complete other project activities. Appropriate safety measures will be implemented during this time.
During the closure of this lookout, park visitors are encouraged to go to the Pu‘u Hinahina Viewpoint which has a lookout of the Waimea Canyon and comfort station for their convenience. This area is located 3.2 miles up the road.
“Pu‘u Hinahina provides a great scenic vista of the Canyon and there is also a viewpoint of the island of Ni‘ihau. During the temporary lookout closure, we ask our park visitors to avoid crowding and inappropriately parking their vehicles on narrow shoulders and pull-offs along the highway, for their safety,” Quinn said in the release.
Division of State Parks will provide signage to direct visitors to go to the Pu‘u Hinahina Lookout, he added.
Another comfort station facility is located at the Pu‘u Ka Pele pavilion area between the Waimea Canyon Lookout and Pu‘u Hinahina Viewpoint.
Project contractor is Perfecto Engineering & Construction Services, Inc. and the contract cost is $616,010. The project is contracted to be completed by October, but may be completed sooner as weather and conditions allow.
Waimea Canyon State Park is located 11.1 miles north of Kekaha on Koke‘e Road (Highway 550). It adjoins Koke‘e State park. This park overlooks the rim of one of the state’s greatest treasures — the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon, the release states. Visitors can enjoy a viewpoint of Ni‘ihau island, wildland picnicking and a short nature trail. A long strenuous hike into and out of the canyon is reached via the adjacent forest reserve. Facilities include picnic area and restrooms.
For more information, call the Division of State Parks on O‘ahu at (808) 587-0300.
