Chain of Craters Road in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens

Chain of Craters Road and other previously closed roads are now open as unrest and seismicity have diminished in Kīlauea volcano’s upper East Rift Zone and near its summit.

Areas accessed by Chain of Craters Road, Hilina Pali Road, and Kulanaokuaiki Campground are now open to vehicle traffic. Backcountry sites have reopened as well.

Since late July, an increase in earthquakes and seismic activity along the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea resulted in many large cracks and ground faults on Chain of Craters Road and Maunaulu parking lot.

Chain of Craters Road closed to vehicle traffic on Aug. 21 after some cracks suddenly grew in size and depth after new earthquakes. Park staff monitored the road over the last week and determined the cracks were not increasing in size and travel at low speeds would not deteriorate the road further.

While the unrest has diminished, Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on earth and conditions can change at any time. Visitors to Chain of Craters Road should drive with extra caution, obey the speed limit, and slow down for any and all cracks, humps and wildlife.