News Release

Most of Park Will Close Friday in Anticipation of Possible Explosive Steam Event at Kīlauea Summit

Date: May 9, 2018
Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Media Advisory May 9, 2018

Hawaii National Park, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will close Friday due to the possibility of an explosive steam event and ash fall at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.

Who: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

What: Closure of most of the park. Only the Kahuku Unit will be open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When: Friday, May 11, 2018 until further notice

Why: Safety. Due to the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea due to the receding lava lake, an ensuing ash fall event, plus southerly wind patterns forecasted for Friday, the majority of the park will be closed Friday until further notice. We will reopen when it is safe to do so.

Editor’s Note: We will provide more information at the News Media Teleconference call on Thursday, May 10, 11 a.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time.

-NPS-