News Release

Chain of Craters Road and other sites in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopen

Date: August 28, 2024
Contact: Benjamin Hayes, 808-985-6010

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Chain of Craters Road and other previously closed roads are now open as unrest and seismicity has diminished in Kīlauea volcano’s upper East Rift Zone (ERZ) and near its summit.  

Areas accessed by Chain of Craters Road, Hilina Pali Road, and Kulanaokuaiki Campground are now open to vehicle traffic. Backcountry sites have reopened as well. 

Since late July, an increase in earthquakes and seismic activity along the upper ERZ of Kīlauea resulted in many large cracks and ground faults on Chain of Craters Road and Maunaulu parking lot. Chain of Craters Road closed to vehicle traffic on August 21 after some cracks suddenly grew in size and depth after new earthquakes. Park staff monitored the road over the last week and determined the cracks were not increasing in size and travel at low speeds would not deteriorate the road further. 

While the unrest has diminished, Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes on earth and conditions can change at any time. Visitors to Chain of Craters Road should drive with extra caution, obey the speed limit, and slow down for any and all cracks, humps, and wildlife. 

Visitors should always check the park website for updates, closures, and alerts that could impact their visit.  

-NPS- 

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.