Most of HVNP to Close Due to Possible Summit Explosion

Visitors eager to see the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater​ at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano gather along the overlook at Jaggar Museum in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. PC: NPS/Janice Wei

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will close Friday, May 11, 2018, until further notice due to the possibility of an explosive steam event 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.

Due to the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea caused by the receding lava lake, an ensuing ash fall event, plus southerly wind patterns forecasted for Friday, the majority of the park will be closed Friday until further notice.

The park will reopen when it is safe to do so.