Date: August 9, 2014
Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-345-4216 (cell)
Hawaii National Park, Hawai‘i– Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open today, Saturday, August 9, 2014, with some closures in effect as park officials assess damage and remove fallen trees and other debris from roadways and trails following Tropical Storm Iselle.
The following closures are in effect:
- The Kahuku Unit will remain closed through the weekend and today’s Palm Trail hike is canceled.
- Chain of Craters Road, from Devastation Trail parking lot to the coast
- All backcountry areas, including Mauna Loa and cabins
- Mauna Loa Road (known locally as “Mauna Loa Strip Road”)
- All coastal areas and trails, including, ‘Āpua Point, Keauhou, Halapē, and Ka‘aha
- Kulanaokuaiki campsite
- Nāpau campsite
- Nāmakanipaio campgrounds and its A-frame cabins
Power has been restored, and phones are working. Kīlauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum will open and be staffed from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
“Visitors should prepare for limited services and some front-country trail closures as we mobilize back into operation and continue to assess damage,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp are open.
According to the National Weather Service, a second storm, Hurricane Julio, is forecast to pass to the north of the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday. A high surf advisory remains in effect for the east-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands.
-NPS-
