News Release
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Contact: HAVO Public Affairs
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including the Kahuku Unit, will temporarily close Friday, August 21 by 5 p.m. ahead of a new storm system that could again bring torrential rainfall and high winds to Hawaiʻi Island as early as Saturday.The park is still without power, internet or phone lines as the community, and many park employees, volunteers and partners, recover from the devastating impacts of last weekend’s Hurricane Lala.
The park could be closed during the next Kīlauea episode if the eruption occurs during the storm safety closure. According to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), data indicate the onset of the next fountaining episode is likely to start between Saturday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 26. Overlap with the storm could create extreme conditions not suitable for viewing. HVO also remains without power since Hurricane Lala, but are continuing to monitor volcanic and seismic hazards using backup power systems.
In the event of an eruption and storm overlap, in a coordinated effort with the County of Hawaiʻi to prioritize safety and reduce non-essential traffic on island roadways, Highway 11 will only be open to area residents between the park entrance and Kaʻū.
Overnight guests of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano House with existing reservations will be allowed park access but will be required to shelter in place once the closure is enacted.
Due to the ongoing power and communications outage, emergency services in the park are limited and the park’s air quality monitoring system is down. All park programs are canceled during the storm safety closure.
The public will be kept informed. Check the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for alerts and connect with official park social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: August 20, 2026