Speed is believed to be a factor in a crash that killed a 23-year-old Koloa woman on Saturday, Kauai police said.

The crash occurred on Kaumualii Highway about 3:20 p.m. near the entrance to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, police said.

A 25-year-old Kekaha man driving a Honda Civic crossed the centerline in an apparent attempt to avoid an oncoming sedan that turned left in front of him.

The driver then lost control and crashed into an oncoming Ford Ranger pickup, police said.

The woman who died was a passenger in the Civic. The pickup driver, a 55-year-old Kekaha woman, sustained minor injuries and was released at the scene.

Police closed the highway for about 4 1/2 hours to investigate.

It was Kauai’s first traffic fatality this year.