Lava Tree State Monument to Partially Reopen

Portions of Lava Tree State Monument will reopen on Monday, Dec. 8 following the closure in August.

Park crews have worked to address issues at the park following Tropical Storm Iselle, who blew down albizia trees in much of lower Puna, including the park.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says the park will open on a limited basis and that the public will be able to visit most of the viewable lava tree molds, the main pavilion, and the informational kiosk. Additionally, the parking lots, restrooms, and front portion of the loop trail will also be accessible for public use.

According to the DLNR, the back portion of the park is not ready to reopen.

“We ask that the public respect the closed areas as dangerous conditions may be encountered in those areas,” said Dean Takebayashi, Hawai’i District Parks Superintendent.

The repairs and clean-up costs for the park thus far have been $88,045.