Portions of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopen after Kona low storm

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened some sections of the park this morning, but other areas remain closed until further notice because of major storm and volcanic impacts.

A Kona low storm swept across the islands last week, where flooding and high winds hit the Kona and Ka‘ū Districts the hardest on Hawai‘i Island. On March 14, the storm knocked down trees and power lines and caused flooding and other damage in the national park, which is located in the Ka‘ū District.

As of this morning, park staff have cleared roads, overlooks and trails from storm debris and will reopen additional areas when assessments are complete and it is safe to do so. The Kahuku Unit will reopen Thursday morning at 8 a.m.

The following areas are open:

• Crater Rim Drive West from the park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp
• The Welcome Center (opens at 9 a.m.)
• Volcano House, Volcano Art Center Gallery and most of Kilauea Military Camp
• Crater Rim Drive East
• Nāhuku lava tube. The lights are out (bring a flashlight and be aware of the low ceiling)
• Chain of Craters Road to the coast
• Most backcountry areas not including Mauna Loa

These areas remain closed:

• Mauna Loa Road beyond Kīpukapuaulu to all use including pedestrians and bicyclists
• Mauna Loa Summit, Mauna Loa Trail, Red Hill Cabin and Puʻuʻulaʻula
• Kīpukapuaulu
• Crater Rim Drive West beyond Kilauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna, including bicycles and pedestrians
• Crater Rim Trail beyond Kilauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna
• Nāmakanipaio Campground and trail to Uēkahuna
• Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground

Park staff also continue to clear roads and overlooks blanketed by volcanic rock and ash fallout from the eruption on March 10. Lava fountains from episode 43 reached as high as 1,770 feet high and tephra fallout was widespread at the summit.

Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna received the most fallout and are closed.

Check the park website for updates: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.