News Release

Two-thirds of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Remains Closed

Date: May 14, 2018
Contact: Jessica Ferracane/Public Affairs Specialist, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, Hawai‘i – Most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remains closed since Friday, May 11 due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and a possible steam explosion at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano.  

Who: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 

What: Closure of most of the park. Only the Kahuku Unit is open during normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kahuku is a one-hour drive south of the park’s main entrance on Highway 11.

Approximately two-thirds of the park remains closed due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and a possible steam explosion at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The park will reopen closed areas when it is safe to do so. 

At the request of the park, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction that extends 20,000 feet AGL and a 12-nautical-mile radius around the summit of Kīlauea.

We appreciate the support, cooperation and understanding from media, visitors and the community. 

When: Since Friday, May 11, 2018 until further notice

Why: Safety. The park will reopen closed areas when it is safe to do so.

What’s New: The park is planning to increase the number of days the Kahuku Unit is open. We will provide an update as soon as possible via official park communications channels and our website, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.  

Editor’s Note: News media are not allowed into the closed areas of the park. News media are prohibited from setting up cameras near the entrance station for safety reasons.

-NPS-