Temporary closure continues for Mauna Loa Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Survey, drilling and soil sampling work is underway on Mauna Loa Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park as the initial step in a project to improve the safety and accessibility of the scenic roadway.

The work requires the continuation of a temporary closure of the route to to all use; however, some access will be provided.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Mauna Loa Road, from Highway 11 to Kīpukapuaulu, as well as Kīpukapuaulu Trail and the day-use area are open.
• The closure starts from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the gate past Kīpukapuaulu because of a large trailer-mounted drill rig and heavy machinery dominating the narrow road.
• The road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists before 8:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• The road will open on weekends to all users, including vehicles, and close at 7 p.m. Sundays.
• Mauna Loa Road will open on holidays for all use, including Veterans Day (closed at 7 p.m.) and Nov. 27 through Thanksgiving weekend (closed at 7 p.m. Sunday).
• Mauna Loa Trail and Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Cabin will remain open, but access to and from the trailhead during work days will only be permitted before 8:30 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

This section of historic Mauna Loa Road — not to be confused with Mauna Loa Observatory Road off Daniel K. Inouye Highway — was first built as a truck trail by local members of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The roadway has degraded with time because of tree root intrusion, seismicity and age.

Preliminary work happening now will determine the subgrade material and inform the design process to rehabilitate Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout, where the bumpy and uneven road ends at about 6,700 feet.

The project is expected to start late next year.

Plans are to keep Mauna Loa Road’s historic width and scenic alignment through native forest, lava flows and viewpoints.

The temporary closure in place is expected to last through mid-December.

Visit the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website for additional construction-related closures.