The October quake struck pretty much directly off the coast of North Kohala on the Big Island. Access to Polulu Valley, a sheer amphitheater valley literally at the end of the road in North Kohala, was shut down after big cracks appeared in roads around there and the trail appeared precarious. It was a shame as this arduous but brief trail dropped down into a truly amazing landscape of black sand beach, dark ocean waters, and vertiginous cliffs. The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) just reopened access to the Pololu Trail, which zigzags down a 420-foot cliff face. DLNR also lifted restrictions on boating in portions of Kealakekua Bay where landslides ending up in the ocean had made kayaking and boating risky. The Muliwai Trail, near Waipio Valley, remains closed indefinitely. The trail is a grueling trek to some of the Big Island's most isolated valleys and beaches. Over on Maui, a temporary bridge to Hana should open shortly. I need to check on access to Little Beach, which had been restricted after a landslide.

Image via Na Ala Hele

—Alex, 11/21/06