Mauna Kea Summit Road to Remain Closed

The University of Hawai’i System says that the Mauna Kea summit road, beginning at the Halepōhaku mid-level facilities, will continue to remain closed to all individuals, except for authorized personnel, until further notice.

In a statement, UH noted that the Office of Mauna Kea Management is “assessing damage to the road and stability of the slopes for potential rock falls.”

Last week, the road was closed due to hazardous conditions. Officials say the hazards include the presence of boulders on the road, constructed rock walls, and two ahu in the roadway.

“The obstruction prevented the university from grading the road, a necessary road safety procedure performed twice a week,” the statement said.

In addition to the continued closure of the road, the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, located at the 9,200 foot level, will remain closed. The state notes “health and safety reasons” for the continued closure.