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Contact: HAVO Public Affairs
Note: News release updated at 10:30 a.m. 3/13/26 to reflect updated closuresHAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – The following closures are in effect at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park due to severe weather forecast to bring heavy rain and strong damaging winds. A flood watch is in effect through Saturday:
• Mauna Loa summit. Blizzard conditions and wind speeds up to 100 mph or more are expected
• Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa is closed to all use, including pedestrians and bicycles, due to downed trees
• Kīpukapuaulu Trail
• Tent camping at Nāmakanipaio campground
• All backcountry camping sites including Red Hill cabin, the coastal backcountry and Pepeiao cabin
• Chain of Craters Road at the Crater Rim Drive intersection near Devastation Trail
The Kahuku Unit will be closed Saturday and Sunday.
Kīlauea summit areas will remain open at this time, including the Welcome Center, Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano House, Nāhuku lava tube and front country trails. Crater Rim Drive West is open from the park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp (KMC).
Road access to areas west of KMC, including Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna, is closed due to ongoing cleanup to remove large amounts of tephra from the recent eruption. Pedestrian access to areas west of KMC on Crater Rim Trail is allowed.
Visitors are advised to use extreme caution on roadways, trails and crosswalks due to reduced visibility, watch out for falling trees and branches and be prepared for heavy rain and wind.
National Park Service staff will reassess conditions Monday and if safe, will reopen closed areas. Additional unannounced closures could occur due to the severe weather.
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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: March 13, 2026