UPDATE: Closure of Kīlauea Overlook area lifted at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Update at 6:57 a.m. Jan. 15, 2026: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park announced Wednesday (Jan. 14) that the closure of Kīlauea Overlook was lifted.

The area was temporarily closed to protect a nesting family of nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, with two goslings, aimed at preventing vehicle strikes and reducing disturbance to the birds.

Lifting the closure also includes access returning to the overlook’s parking lot, surrounding areas and the pit toilet.

Original story published at 5:01 p.m. Jan. 8, 2026: The Kīlauea Overlook parking lot is temporarily closed effective immediately to protect a nesting nēnē family with two goslings.

The closure includes the parking lot, surrounding areas, and the pit toilet. The action is intended to prevent vehicle strikes and reduce disturbance to the birds.

The Crater Rim Trail from Uēkahuna to Kīlauea Overlook and Kīlauea Military Camp remains open. The picnic pavilion remains open.

Protecting native wildlife is central to the park’s mission. The nēnē, the state bird of Hawaiʻi, is listed as threatened and is especially vulnerable during nesting season, which runs from September through May.

Nēnē are frequently seen on or near park roads during this time, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions and negative interactions with visitors.

Visitors can help protect nēnē by slowing down, watching carefully for birds near roadways, never feeding wildlife, and staying at least 60 feet away. Keeping wildlife wild helps ensure their safety and survival.

For more information about these native geese and wildlife protection efforts, visit the park website.