While Maui firefighters were mopping up major brushfires in Olowalu and Lahaina this week, fire crews on Kaua'i and the Big Island were dealing with their own wildfires.

A brushfire that raged yesterday on both sides of Kuhio Highway near the Kaua'i Hilton was brought under control at 6 p.m., according to county spokeswoman Mary Daubert. Officials said an estimated 80 acres were burned.

The highway between South Leho Drive and Kapule Highway was closed at 3:45 p.m., but traffic resumed by 5:30.

Twenty-five firefighters from the Kalaheo, Kapa'a and Lihu'e fire stations, the Fire Department helicopter and state airport firefighters battled the blaze. No structures were threatened by the fire, although employees of Kaua'i Fruit & Flower Co. were evacuated as a precaution, Daubert said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On the Big Island, civil defense officials on Wednesday declared that a brushfire that began burning near Waikoloa Village on Sunday morning had been contained. The fire burned an estimated 9,100 acres of dry pastureland, and fire officials suspect it may have been deliberately set.

The fire forced authorities to close the main road linking the communities of Waimea and Kailua, Kona, several times this week, but no homes were threatened.

Fireworks are believed to have started a West Maui fire Tuesday that consumed 180 acres above the Lahaina Aquatic Center.

County firefighters yesterday continued to monitor hot spots in the burned area. The fire was 90 percent contained, said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin.

Fire investigators report that four youths were present where the fire began, and one admitted playing with fireworks.