Kamehameha Hwy. through North Shore reopens as surf subsides

HALEIWA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Crews have reopened a major portion of Kamehameha Highway through Oahu's North Shore.

The roadway had been closed to most traffic at 2 p.m. from Haleiwa to Turtle Bay because of monster surf.

The State Department of Transportation said the closure was necessary because of the ocean surges washing over roadways.

When the road was closed, only emergency vehicles, city buses and residents were be granted access to the 12-mile stretch of highway. Barriers and electronic message boards were placed at each end to notify motorists.

The closure was unprecedented, officials said.

"We've never shut down this much as a preventative measure," said Ed Sniffen with the State Department of Transportation.

This comes as the largest surf of the season hits the north shore, with waves in excess of 55 feet.

Kamehameha Hwy. through North Shore reopens as surf subsides

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