State, national parks announce closures ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo
People are urged to avoid forested and coastal areas due to the dangers of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge or high surf.
As Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the closure of all state parks on Hawai‘i Island starting Thursday, Sept. 24.
This closure includes camping, forest reserves, Nā Ala Hele hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, hunting and game management areas.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will also temporarily close most park areas ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo, which is forecast to bring heavy rain, flooding and strong, damaging winds to Hawaiʻi Island.
The park began closing backcountry trails and campgrounds Sept. 23. All backcountry areas will be fully closed by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.
All remaining park areas, including the Nāmakanipaio tent camping area, will close to recreational activities by 5 p.m. Thursday. The Kahuku Unit will close at its normal time of 4 p.m. Thursday.
Kīlauea Military Camp lodging, Volcano House and the Nāmakanipaio A-frame cabins will remain open for registered guests only. For their safety, lodging guests must shelter in place and should not recreate outdoors.
According to the National Park Service, additional closures may occur without advance notice because of severe weather conditions.
Park staff will assess conditions and reopen areas when it is safe to do so. Visitors should check the park website for current alerts at nps.gov/havo. Details will also be posted on the park’s social media channels.
The National Weather Service forecast includes the possibility of significant to extreme flash flooding and hurricane-force winds between Thursday and Saturday.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking for everyone’s cooperation with announcements of area closures. People are urged to avoid forested and coastal areas due to the dangers of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge or high surf.
Those in remote locations who may face dangerous surf, flooding or road conditions are advised to shelter in place.
Refunds will be credited to the accounts of anyone who misses camping nights on state lands due to storm closures.
“DLNR parks, forest lands, camping, trails, hunting and game management areas will be reopened upon completion of damage assessments,” said DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife Administrator Marigold Zoll. “We ask for the public’s patience and understanding during this process. The compounding impacts of successive storms are affecting our ability to safely open areas in a timely manner.”
DLNR will be updating its OuterSpatial app with the most current information on which areas are open and which remain closed due to severe weather impacts.
For updates on storm-related park closures, please visit the Hawaiʻi State Parks webpage at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/.
Residents and visitors can find information on preparations and safety precautions for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge on the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management agencies’ websites.
More weather information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/hfo.
