Chain of Craters Road reopens to pedestrians, bicycles

Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has reopened to bicycles and pedestrians but remains closed to vehicles due to significant cracks on the road between Hilina Pali Road intersection and the Maunaulu parking lot.

The cracks likely formed due to the intrusion of magma into the Upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano this week. The park engineer and rangers inspected the road this afternoon and discovered 10 locations with cracks and buckling, making it unsafe for motorists. Rangers placed signs to warn bicyclists and pedestrians of the uneven pavement.

Escape Road between Nāhuku lava tube and Maunaulu, and Crater Rim Trail south of Nāhuku, are also open. The previously closed backcountry areas have reopened but trailheads can only be accessed on foot or bicycle.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground has reopened and is accessible on foot or bicycle.

Kīlauea is not erupting, and according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the unrest in the Upper East Rift Zone that began on July 22 has ended. More than 1,500 detected earthquakes were recorded between July 22 and July 26, including 30 earthquakes at magnitude 3 or greater.

The park will monitor Chain of Craters Road over the weekend. Park visitors are urged to plan and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.