Some Areas Reopen in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

News Release Date:
March 18, 2026

Contact: HAVO Public Affairs

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened some sections Wednesday morning, March 18, but other areas remain closed until further notice due to major storm and volcanic impacts.

Visitors should be prepared for rain and drive and hike with caution.

The following areas are open:

• Crater Rim Drive West from the park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp
• The Welcome Center
• Volcano House, Volcano Art Center Gallery and most of Kilauea Military Camp
• Crater Rim Drive East
• Nāhuku lava tube is open. The lights are out (bring a flashlight and be aware of the low ceiling)
• Chain of Craters Road to the coast
• Most backcountry areas not including Mauna Loa

The Kahuku Unit will reopen Thursday morning at 8 a.m.

These areas remain closed:

• Mauna Loa Road beyond Kīpukapuaulu to all use including pedestrians and bicyclists
• Mauna Loa Summit, Mauna Loa Trail, Red Hill Cabin and Puʻuʻulaʻula
• Kīpukapuaulu
• Crater Rim Drive West beyond Kilauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna, including bicycles and pedestrians
• Crater Rim Trail beyond Kilauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna
• Nāmakanipaio Campground and trail to Uēkahuna
• Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground

Heavy rain and destructive winds from the powerful May 14 weekend storm knocked down trees and power lines and caused flooding and other damage in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park staff have cleared roads, overlooks and trails from storm debris and will reopen additional areas when assessments are complete and it is safe to do so.

Park staff also continue to clear roads and overlooks blanketed by volcanic rock and ash fallout from the eruption on March 10. Lava fountains from episode 43 reached as high as 1,770 feet (540 meters) high and tephra fallout was widespread at the summit. Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna received the most fallout and are closed.

Visitors should be prepared for more rain, drive carefully and watch out for brush and tephra on roads and trails.

Check the park website for updates: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

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