(BIVN) – Most of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park remains closed on Monday due to the impacts of Hurricane Lala. The park is without power, phones, or internet.
The National Park Service reports rangers reopened Crater Rim Drive West from the park entrance to Uēkahuna at the summit of Kīlauea volcano around 10 a.m. Monday morning, August 17, following a multi-day closure.
“Visitors should expect very limited services,” the NPS stated in a news release. “The Welcome Center and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will be closed Monday, however park rangers and volunteers will provide visitor information in the Kilauea Military Camp lobby.”
From the National Park Service:
Crater Rim Trail West and Steam Vents are open, but Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and all other areas in the park remain closed due to downed trees and other hazards. Park rangers and staff are continuing to assess trails, roads and other park destinations that will reopen when they are deemed safe.
Visitors are advised to take their safety seriously. Although the hurricane has passed, hazards remain in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park including falling trees, unstable slopes, flooding, debris and damaged roads and facilities. Stay alert, heed all closures and posted warnings, and do not enter areas that appear unsafe.
Park campgrounds and the backcountry remain closed. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will remain closed to the public but are open to registered guests. (The KMC lobby is open.) Volcano Art Center Gallery is closed.
Park staff have been unable to access the Kahuku Unit, which is located in the hard-hit district of Kaʻū. Impacts to Kahuku are expected to by substantial.
Dozens of downed trees have already been removed from Mauna Loa Road, Escape Road, Chain of Craters Road and throughout Kīlauea summit.
“The safety of park visitors, staff, partners and the community remains the top priority, and the park thanks everyone for their support,” the National Park Service stated. “Many park staff, their families and nearby communities are recovering from hurricane impacts. Changes to services could change without notice.”
