News Release

Prescribed burning of vegetation in Kahuku-Pōhue section of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park planned May 5 - 8

Two stars show the site of the prescribed burn set for May 5 - 8, 2026

NPS Map

News Release Date: April 27, 2026

Contact: HAVO Public Affairs

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Firefighters plan to burn two small piles of accumulated vegetation, mostly coconut palm fronds and coconuts, in the Kahuku-Pōhue coastal area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park May 5 through May 8, 2026. 

The two piles are about 30 feet long, 30 feet wide and two feet tall. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park firefighters will ignite, monitor and fully extinguish the burn, which is expected to take between one and two days. Burning these small piles reduces potential habitat of the destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle, protects the nesting area of endangered honuʻea (Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtle) and nearby anchialine ponds, and reduces wildfire potential in the area.  

Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal, localized and brief. Adjacent residents and the nearby community of Ranchos in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates may see wisps of smoke and smell smoke during the prescribed burn. Firefighters and firefighting equipment may be seen entering and exiting the area.  

The burn piles are located on a gravel road flanked by sparsely vegetated lava fields and ocean. Firefighters will hand-ignite the burn and use hand tools to clean up the piles. A water pump and hose lay will be on site, and the park’s Type 6 wildland engine will be stationed nearby.  
 

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