Dengue Causes DLNR Closure of Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campground

File photo by Brian Baldwin.

As the Big Island dengue fever count rose to 223 on Friday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources added to Hawai’i County’s closure of the Waipio Valley access road, closing Muliwai hiking trail and its Waimanu Valley campground.

Muliwai trail is located on the far cliff side of Waipio Valley. Both closed locations are only accessible through Waipio Valley.

Two cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in Waipio residents, according to DLNR officials.

The county closed Waipio Wednesday afternoon as a “precaution.” Only residents of the valley are currently being allowed access.

DLNR officials report that the area will remain closed for eight to twelve weeks after no cases are noted in the area by health officials.

Those who have existing permits to camp in the area will be contacted by DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Permits for camping in the area are currently frozen and will not be issued during the closure.