UPDATE: Lava viewing area reopens after unexploded ordnance is detonated by county

This story was updated Dec. 4 at 4:24 p.m.

The Mauna Loa eruption viewing area along Old Saddle Road on U.S. Pōhakuloa Training Area land has reopened after being closed for several hours due to the discovery of unexploded ordnance found on Sunday morning in the lava rocks away from the road.

It was detonated by Hawai’i County personnel, said Amy Phillips, public affairs officer with the military facility.

“Stay on the road,” Phillips reiterated. “Do not wander into the lava fields.”

She said it is an active training area and there could be other unexploded ordnance in the area.

“We want everyone to enjoy the volcano viewing and to stay safe,” she said.

Original post: The Mauna Loa eruption viewing area along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway is temporarily closed for the next three hours after the discovery of a possible grenade.

Hawai‘i Police Lt. Rio Amon-Wilkins said the device was discovered shortly after 9:30 a.m. HPD’s Special Response Team and Bomb Squad responded along with Pōhakuloa Training Area.

The closure stretches along the Old Saddle Road lava viewing area between the 28.5 mile marker to the 34 mile marker. Amon-Wilkins didn’t know exactly where the device was found. The road was closed out of an abundance of caution.

PTA officials continue to advise the public not to wander off off the roadway into the surround lava field. And most of all, officials remind the public to stay away from the lava flow.

The public is advised to call police if they see something suspicious on the lava viewing route.

Motorists are advised to avoid the are to reduce traffic congestion. Also, remember walking onto the lava field is prohibited and discouraged.

The public will be informed when the lava parking area reopens.