Most of HVNP Closes: Explosive Event at Kīlauea Summit Possible

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park entrance station closure signs and NPS Law Enforcement. PC: NPS

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park closed Friday, May 11, 2018, until further notice due to ongoing seismic activity and the anticipated explosive steam event and possibility of rock and ash fall at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

Only the Kahuku Unit will be open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. a one-hour drive south of the main park entrance.

At the request of the park, the FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction that extends 20,000 feet AGL and a 12 nautical mile radius around the summit of Kīlauea.

Due to the anticipated steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea caused by the receding lava lake, and the possibility of a rock and ash fall event, the majority of the park is closed until further notice. We will reopen when it is safe to do so.