News Release

Two roads, Pepeiao Cabin and Kaʻū Desert Trail reopen

Kaʻū Desert Trail sign

NPS Photo

News Release Date: December 11, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Two roads, a backcountry trail and a cabin have reopened in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

Thanks to recent rainfall, wildland fire risk has decreased and Mauna Loa Road and Hilina Pali Road are now fully open to vehicles.

Campfire and open flame cooking fire restrictions are also lifted in areas that allow them. Although the risk for wildfire is low, visitors are reminded to recreate responsibly. Campfires and cooking fires should be completely extinguished and are only allowed in specific areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

Kaʻū Desert Trail past the Footprints exhibit to Pepeiao Cabin, Hilina Pali overlook and the coastal backcountry areas has also reopened. The cabin is also open for overnight use with a permit. In addition, the backcountry trail crew recently cleared overgrown vegetation from the trail between Pepeiao Cabin and Hilina Pali overlook. 

The park temporarily closed Pepeiao Cabin and much of Kaʻū Desert Trail in October because of increased seismicity in the area south-southwest of Kīlauea caldera. Kīlauea volcano is not erupting but the unrest continues. According to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, most of the earthquakes are now focused in a cluster just southeast of Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera). 

Mauna Iki Trail remains closed due to the continued unrest, and eruptive activity could occur in the near future with little or no warning. 

Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

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