Kīlauea Summit Temporarily Closed due to Volcanic Hazards

Contact: HAVO Public Affairs

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - Kīlauea summit in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed due to hazardous amounts of tephra (volcanic rock, ash and glass particles) falling over Kīlauea summit. Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous road conditions.

Kīlauea began to erupt at 9:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Lava fountains that reached as high as 1,300 feet earlier are producing large amounts of tephra, and light and variable winds are causing the material to fall over the summit, on the highway and in nearby communities. Tephra was continuing to fall at 2 p.m.

Park rangers are evacuating visitors from the summit area of the park. Overnight guests of Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano House with reservations and identification will be allowed to enter the park but must shelter in place. All trails and outdoor overlooks in the vicinity of the summit are closed.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued a Volcano Warning (RED) at 10:54 a.m. Although light and airy, tephra chunks can cause abrasions and irritate eyes and breathing. Tephra fallout covers road markings and causes vehicles to skid and slide.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will reopen after the eruption ends and park staff can clear roadways and other areas of tephra. A temporary flight restriction is in place. Check the park website at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes for updates.

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