Area Closures and Advisories

Status of the Park: Park is OPEN - Some Closures are in effect:

Currently the Chain of Craters Road is OPEN and the trail to Puʻu Huluhulu is OPEN. Both the Nāpau Trail beyond Puʻu Huluhulu and the Naulu Trail are OPEN (permit required).

Be aware that high levels of SO2 and/or smoke could occur at anytime. This is a very active area and subject to sudden closure.

• The coastal backcountry is OPEN.
• The Mauna Ulu area and the Puʻu Huluhulu Trail is OPEN.
• The Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground are OPEN.
• The Naulu Trail is OPEN (permit required)
• The Nāpau Trail is OPEN (permit required)
• The Nāpau Campground is OPEN (permit required)
• The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail crossing Kīlauea Caldera is CLOSED
• Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail are CLOSED from the Jaggar Museum south around the caldera to the Chain of Craters Road junction
• Sections of Crater Rim Trail and Crater Rim Drive (foot traffic only) have REOPENED from Chain of Craters Road to Keanakāko'i Crater >>more info

 

Fire Restrictions Updated - March 10, 2011

The following restrictions remain in effect:

• No campfires throughout the park, with the exception of the fire pits at Nāmakanipaio Campground and Kīpukapuaulu Picnic Area.
• No barbeques at Kulanaokuaiki Campground or Kahuku. Cooking stoves are permitted with appropriate precautions.
• Protect our park - your behavior impacts native plants and animals.

 

Halema`uma`u Crater

NPS Photo by Norrie Judd

Portions of the Park are Closed
Current Closures are listed below:

• A portion of Crater Rim Drive, between Jaggar Museum and the Chain of Craters Road junction is closed indefinitely due to the fumes and ashfall from the new vent that opened within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in March 2008. June 13, 2012 update: Sections of Crater Rim Trail and Crater Rim Drive (foot traffic only) have REOPENED from Chain of Craters Road to Keanakāko'i Crater >>more info
• The Kaʻu Desert Trail is closed from Jaggar Museum to the Kaʻu Desert Trail Head at Hwy 11.
• The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and the Byron Ledge Trail leading across Kīlauea Caldera is closed. The Crater Rim Trail from Jaggar Museum to the junction with Chain of Craters Road is closed.
• Puʻu ʻOʻo, and the park's eastern boundary are closed.
• Volcanic Hazard Areas: Due to immediate and unpredictable volcanic hazards, the slopes of Puʻu ʻOʻo, all ledges, benches and beaches formed at active lava entry points on the coast, as well as specific active lava areas as posted, are closed to all visitors unless they have a permit issued by the Superintendent allowing limited access to those areas for specific scientific research or cultural practices.

Advisory on Potential Closures:

The prevailing northeast tradewinds generally blow fumes from the volcano away from visitor areas. However, during times of weak winds or winds from the south (the opposite direction), volcanic fumes may impact visitor areas, prompting the park to close. Please be flexible and alert.

What should you do when you notice hazy/smoky/smog-like conditions (VOG)?:

• If you are indoors (museum, visitor center, etc.) - stay indoors with windows closed and air conditioning or air filter turned on - until conditions improve. You may be asked to evacuate.
• If driving a car: Keep vehicle windows closed and run your car air conditioner until you leave the area.

Park rangers monitor air quality and will advise visitors when the situation prompts a closure. When a closure is ordered, please leave the area in an orderly manner with everyone's safety in mind. See: Visitor Alert - SO2 Advisory

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