Mauna Loa Road Closures Begins

Mauna Loa Road, Hilina Pali Road, the Kīpukapuaulu turnabout and Nāmakanipaio Campground and cabin access roads are all slated for roadside vegetation management and pavement preservation work. The “TLC” will require extended road closures and/or single-lane closures that start Thursday, Mar. 4 and last through April 19.

Mauna Loa Road will be fully closed past the gate at Kīpukapuaulu. No vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians allowed during work hours.

When: Mar. 4 to Mar. 26, weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Road will be open to bicycles and pedestrians after 4 p.m. on weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday but will remain closed to vehicles.

Hilina Pali Road will be fully closed past Kulanaokuaiki Campground to the Hilina Pali Lookout. No vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians during work hours.

When: Mar. 16 to April 19, weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Road will be open to bicycles and pedestrians after 4 p.m. on weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday but will remain closed to vehicles.

Kīpukapuaulu Turnabout will have single-lane closures, no restrictions on access.

When: Monday, Mar. 29 (one day), 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nāmakanipaio Campground and Cabin Access Roads will have single-land closures, no additional restrictions on access.

When: Mar. 30 and 31, 7 am. to 4 p.m.

Backcountry access to Mauna Loa summit and areas in the southwest rift zone of Kīlauea will be rerouted. All existing backcountry permits will be honored. Contact the Backcountry Office, 808-985-6178 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with questions, or email [email protected].

Pavement preservation is needed to maintain and preserve roadways, and includes patchwork like fixing potholes, heaves and depressions. Some areas will be repaved and others will be treated with durable sealant.