To keep visitors and employees safe as Tropical Storm Darby approaches Hawai‘i Island, park officials will close all backcountry areas and certain roads in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, effective 5 p.m. today, Friday, July 22.
Park closures are as follows:
Kūlanaokuaiki Campground & Nāmakanipaio Cabins and Campgrounds
Hilina Pali Road
Chain of Craters Road at the Crater Rim Drive intersection
Lava viewing area and Coastal Ranger Station
Entire backcountry, including all coastal sites, Nāpau and Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa Road after Kīpukapuaulu
Kahuku
Closures will remain in effect until Tropical Storm Darby has passed and conditions are safe.
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Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer and any damage is assessed.
Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp will remain open for registered guests.
“Although we aren’t closing Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in its entirety, we strongly encourage visitors to consider changing their plans if they were planning to visit Friday afternoon or this weekend,” said Chief Ranger John Broward.
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Popular visitor areas at the summit of Kīlauea will remain open at this time, including Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kīlauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum and observation deck.
Visitors can check the park website for the latest information on openings, or call (808) 985-6000.
The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning Friday morning for Hawai‘i Island.
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Forecasters predict heavy rains, flash floods, high surf, and strong, damaging winds.
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