NPS - National Park Service
08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 17:03
Most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Now Open Following Storms and Reduced Fire Risk
News Release Date: August 28, 2026
Contact:HAVO Public Affairs
Most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is now open following temporary closures due to a hurricane, a tropical storm and heavy rain that reduced fire risk.
Areas that remain closed until further notice are Mauna Loa Road from the gate beyond Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa Lookout, Nāmakanipaio Campground and cabins and the Kahuku Unit due to storm damage that includes numerous downed trees, hazardous snags and other damage.
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.
Although the storms have passed, hazards remain in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park including fallen trees, unstable slopes, flooding, debris, damaged roads and facilities.
Visitors coming to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from the west 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.
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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NPS - National Park Service published this content on August 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 28, 2026 at 23:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]