(BIVN) – Most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is now open, following the impacts of Hurricane Lala earlier this month, although some specific sections remain closed.
On Friday, the National Park Service provided an update the various closures within the National Park. The storms have passed, but hazards remain, “including fallen trees, hanging branches, unstable slopes, flooding, debris, damaged roads and facilities”, officials say.
Areas that remain closed until further notice:
- Mauna Loa Road from the gate beyond Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa Lookout
- Kīpukapuaulu Trail
- Nāmakanipaio Campground and cabins
- The Kahuku Unit in Kaʻū
Backcountry trails and campsites reopened Thursday.
Hilina Pali Road, previously closed to motorized vehicles from Maunaiki Trailhead to the lookout due to fire risk, is now open.
Mauna Loa Summit and cabin are also open but only accessible by ʻĀinapo Trail or the trailhead past Mauna Loa Observatory on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway side of the mauna, officials say.
Motorists driving to the park from the Kona-side of the island “should use Daniel K. Inouye Highway (aka “Saddle Road”) or the Hāmākua Coast (Highway 19) and avoid using the Highway 11 southern route through Kaʻū,” where intensive restoration work on damaged roads and power infrastructure continues.
