Extended closure for Kalalau as extensive disinfecting completed

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The closure of the entire Kalalau section of the Nāpali Coast has been extended to Sept. 19 at DOHʻs recommendation so the area can be cleaned and disinfected.

On Thursday, the DOH confirmed norovirus as the suspected illness affecting hikers to the area. The samples were taken from people who, DLNR said, “didnʻt directly interact with each other.”

DLNR closed the section on Wednesday at DOHʻs urging.

Crews went to the area to inform hikers of the closure and to clean and disinfect comfort stations.

“We swept the floor and bleached the whole bathroom, floors, railings, toilets, everything. Waited at least 7 to10 minutes, cleaned everything and did it again and then we wiped everything down with a disinfectant,” Derrick Louis of DSP stated in a news release.

Haʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach are still open but will receive enhanced cleaning and disinfecting as well.

Law enforcement will staff the Kalalau Trailhead at Kēʻē to prevent entrance to the trail.

DOH said they received reports of illness from at least 37 people who became ill while hiking Kalalau. DOH estimates the total affected people is probably higher.