No injuries were reported and no structures were in immediate danger, said Hawaii County Battalion Chief Curtis Matsui.
The fire was first reported at 11 a.m. Sunday, burning inland from Kawaihae.
Overnight, the wind pushed flames and smoke west toward Queen Kaahumanu Highway, said Lanny Nakano, acting administrator of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
Authorities closed an eight-mile stretch of the highway between the Waikoloa Road junction to the intersection of Kawaihae Road due to the smoke hazard Sunday night. Traffic reportedly was backed up for miles along Waikoloa Road during the morning commute to the Kohala Coast hotels and resorts.
Following the road closure, a mandatory evacuation order was issued for more than a dozen homes in exclusive The Uplands at Mauna Kea subdivision.
Up to 50 homes in the Waiula Drive self-help housing project were temporarily evacuated as a precaution Sunday afternoon. Those residents were allowed to return after a fire break was completed along the south side.
Three bulldozers and two helicopters continued to battle the fire, along with 48 firefighters, official said.
Firefighters were not venturing into the area on foot because of the possibility of live ordnance left over from nearby Camp Tarawa, a World War II training area, firefighter Chad Chun Fat said.
