Most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Open

Visitors drive down Chain of Craters Road Friday afternoon, Sept. 2. NPS photo.

Most areas previously closed within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park due to Hurricane Lester are now open.

Nāmakanipaio Campground, which is managed by the Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC, was scheduled to open Saturday, Sept. 3.

Park rangers opened Chain of Craters Road, all backcountry campsites and trails, the coastal lava viewing area, and Mauna Loa Road under sunny skies on Friday, Sept. 2, much to the delight of visitors eager to explore the park during the long Labor Day weekend.

Backcountry campers are reminded that all overnight stays require a backcountry permit. Permits can be obtained up to 24 hours in advance from the backcountry office, located at the Visitor Emergency Operations Center, and open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.