Question about roadside memorials on HI-19 road

Question

As a first time Big Island visitor one thing immediately caught my attention when I was driving from KOA towards Waikoloa beach - number of roadside memorials wit crosses on both sides of the road.

I counted no less 12 of them on 18 miles stretch of the road meaning that on average, every 1.5miles someone has died on this stretch of the road.

Why is that? Anyone has some explanation of this phenomenon? I looked for signs at other roads but did not notice as many.

Answer

Roadside memorials on Hawaii’s roads, including HI-19 between Kailua-Kona (KOA) and Waikoloa, are unfortunately quite common and reflect a combination of factors related to road safety, local driving culture, and the terrain.

Some key points to understand about this phenomenon:

High-risk road conditions: HI-19, especially the stretch you mentioned, has a mix of narrow lanes, sharp curves, and variable traffic patterns. Some parts of the road pass through scenic but rural areas with limited guardrails and sudden changes in elevation, which can increase accident risk.
Local driving conditions: Tourists unfamiliar with the roads may underestimate curves, speed limits, or local traffic patterns. Combined with occasional speeding or distracted driving, this can unfortunately result in accidents.
Roadside memorial culture: In Hawaii, it is customary for family and friends to place small memorials (often crosses or flowers) at the site of fatal accidents. This is a way to honor loved ones and serve as a visual reminder to others to drive carefully.
Comparison with other roads: Some roads on the Big Island have fewer memorials because they are either less traveled, have more forgiving layouts, or have not historically had as many serious accidents. The density of memorials on this stretch of HI-19 likely reflects both higher traffic and accident frequency in combination with local memorial practices.

Additional context:

The Big Island’s mix of tourists and local drivers, combined with scenic but winding routes, creates roads that require extra caution. Many residents advise slowing down and paying attention to signage, particularly in areas where the road curves sharply or where visibility is limited.
While the memorials may seem striking, they also function as a local cultural expression, a blend of remembrance and cautionary signage for passing drivers.

In summary, the numerous roadside memorials you observed along HI-19 reflect both the real dangers of that stretch of road and the cultural practice of memorializing those who have died in accidents. It’s not unique to HI-19 but is more visible there due to accident frequency, road layout, and local traditions.

Question about roadside memorials on HI-19 road

More Island of Hawaii Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions