National park reopens Maunaulu parking lot, associated trails as wildfire smolders

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park officials have reopened the Maunaulu parking lot and its associated trails as of Friday morning as fire suppression efforts continue for the 78-acre Makaopuhi Fire in the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano.

The wildfire continues to smolder south of Nāpau Crater inside the national park. It is 70% contained and poses no threats to homes or structures.

However, the Makaopuhi Fire continues to threaten Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area.

Firefighting efforts are being aided by two helicopters.

Park staff will be stationed at the Maunaulu parking lot to provide fire information to visitors and keep them clear of helicopter operations.

The blaze was ignited by Kīlauea’s 5-day middle East Rift Zone eruption from Sept. 15-20.

Fire activity recently increased because of a lack of rainfall, low humidity and wind. Firefighters also are challenged by difficult terrain, dense vegetation, multiple burning snags and reburn potential.