KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi – Aliʻi Drive in Kailua Village will revert to its original two-way traffic flow no later than Monday, June 16, 2025, following a 30-day pilot project that tested a one-way traffic pattern. The County of Hawaiʻi announced the decision today, June 6, 2025, alongside a suite of new and explored parking solutions aimed at improving accessibility and convenience in the popular West Hawaiʻi destination.
County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda acknowledged the critical role of community feedback in the decision. “We sincerely thank West Hawaiʻi for their invaluable feedback during this Aliʻi Drive pilot project,” Mayor Alameda stated. He cited a recent poll that garnered over 2,700 responses, indicating a clear preference for returning to the two-way traffic flow. “We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and input throughout this process. The pilot project and insights we gathered have led us to explore new innovative solutions for our community. We are excited to implement these changes to enhance the experience for all.”
The shift back to two-way traffic will be complemented by several parking initiatives:
- Reduced Private Parking Fees: Parklinq Corporation has agreed to revise its parking fees to offer more affordable options for users in and around Kailua Village.
- Diagonal Parking Stalls off Kuakini Highway: The implementation of head-in diagonal parking stalls above Coconut Grove Marketplace, along Kuakini Highway, is expected to maximize space, potentially adding upwards of 10 additional parking spots.
- Public Parking at Hale Hālāwai County Facility: The Hale Hālāwai facility on Aliʻi Drive will offer additional public parking stalls during times and days when the facility is not reserved for events.
- Potential Hotel Partnerships: Discussions are actively ongoing with area hotels to establish partnerships that could create additional parking opportunities.
- New Parking Lease Opportunities: The County is in active negotiations with a private landowner off Aliʻi Drive to lease a parcel that could provide an additional 100 new parking stalls.
Council Member for District 7, Rebecca Villegas, lauded the administration’s responsiveness. “Big Mahalo to Mayor Alameda and his team for taking action and working diligently to provide more free public parking in Kailua Village,” Villegas said. “I’m grateful for this Administration’s courage, initiative, follow-up, flexibility and willingness to return to the two-way traffic flow. In the process, other potential solutions have presented themselves. That’s a win for our Village and our community.”
Julie Ziemelis from the “Fix Paid Parking in Kona” Group also shared positive feedback. “We would like to thank the Mayor for listening to our group’s ideas for solutions. It’s a vexing issue and we appreciate the fact that the one-way traffic idea was attempted, as it brought thousands of eyeballs to the fact that quick solutions are needed to help save the businesses that have been adversely affected by paid parking. We are encouraged by the Mayor’s efforts to look at our other solutions. Thanks to the Mayor and his staff for taking on this challenge to help our local community.”
The Department of Public Works will install message boards and signs to inform residents and visitors about the upcoming change in the traffic pattern on Aliʻi Drive, ensuring a smooth transition back to the original configuration.