News Release

Chain of Craters Road reopens to vehicles

Some of the cracks and buckled roadway on Maunaulu access road

Photo courtesy of Y.Baur

News Release Date: July 29, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Chain of Craters Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened to vehicles late Monday afternoon. No noticeable expansion in cracks caused by last week’s seismic swarm were detected by park staff.  

However, the Maunaulu parking lot and access road are temporarily closed to vehicles due to significant cracks and buckling in the pavement. The park engineer and road crew will continue to monitor and evaluate the safety of the roadway. In the meantime, bicyclists and pedestrians may use the Maunaulu access road. 

Motorists on Chain of Craters Road are advised to drive safely and obey all posted speed limit signs. Motorcyclists should use extra caution and expect bumps and rough road conditions. Parking is only allowed in designated parking spaces and pullouts. Visitors are reminded not to park along roadways. 

The roadway cracks formed following an intrusion of magma into the Upper East Rift Zone (UERZ) of Kīlauea volcano between July 22 and 25. Signs are in place to warn visitors of the new hazards.  

Kīlauea is not erupting, and according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, additional seismic swarms can occur with little or no warning and result in another magma intrusion, or an eruption of lava. 

Park visitors should always plan ahead and check the park website. 

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