The road was closed at 11:50 a.m in both directions from Sandy beach to Hanauma Bay because of a brush fire that scorched more than 20 acres and threatened a horse stable along Koko Crater.

Six Honolulu Fire Department engine companies and two helicopters were called in from as far away as Kalihi Kai to fight the blaze.

No homes were threatened, but at the Koko Crater Equestiran Center, 31 horses were moved from their stable to corals and residents living at the stables were evacuated. Traffic coming from Honolulu was blocked off because the fire got close to the Kalanianao'le Highway at Sandy Beach, where beach-goers were evacuated.

"We have all the horses moved to the side, away from the fire. We're going to man hoses if it comes any closer," said Mike Martin, who was attending to horses at the stable as smoke billowed into the crater behind him and the helicopters circled with water tanks.