Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopens most areas after storm-related closures

Volcanoes National Park announced that most of the park has reopened following temporary closures prompted by Hurricane Lala and heavy rain, which helped reduce fire risk.

Park officials said backcountry trails and campsites reopened Thursday, while Hilina Pali Road is once again open to vehicles between the Maunaiki Trailhead and the lookout.

The road had been closed to motorized traffic because of fire danger.

The Mauna Loa Summit and Mauna Loa Cabin are also open. However, access is limited to the ʻāinapo Trail or to the trailhead beyond the Mauna Loa Observatory on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.

Several areas remain closed indefinitely because of storm damage. They include Mauna Loa Road from the gate beyond Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa Lookout, Kīpukapuaulu Trail, Nāmakanipaio Campground and cabins, and the Kahuku Unit.

Park officials said the affected areas contain numerous downed trees, hazardous standing or damaged trees, known as snags, and other storm-related damage.

Despite the reopening, visitors should continue to exercise caution because hazards remain throughout the park. Those include fallen trees and hanging branches, unstable slopes, flooding, debris, damaged roads, and damaged facilities.

Visitors traveling to the park from the west side of Hawaiʻi Island are advised to use the Daniel K. Inouye Highway or the Hāmākua Coast via Highway 19.

Park officials recommend avoiding the southern Highway 11 route through Kaʻū.

Visitors can click here to check Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s website for the latest alerts and information before traveling to the park.