Due to episodic unrest in the area south-southwest of Kīlauea caldera, Mauna Iki Trail is closed in addition to the Kaʻū Desert/Footprints Trail which is closed past the Footprints exhibit to the Mauna Iki Trail intersection.
The Footprints exhibit remains open and accessible from Highway 11.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground is open as well as Hilina Pali Road which is open but closed to vehicles past the campground to the Hilina Pali Lookout due to elevated fire risk.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the summit of Kīlauea volcano remains at a high level of inflation and eruptive activity is possible in the coming weeks or months. The unrest is expected to fluctuate as magma moves around the area. USGS recently recorded approximately 86 earthquakes in the Kīlauea summit region. Most of the earthquakes from the seismic swarm south of the caldera are at depths of around 1–3 km (0.6–2 mi) below the surface.
“Safety is always our top priority, and the potential hazards in this region are significant and could include elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava activity, and damaging earthquakes with very little notice. After any potential eruptive activity occurs, park managers will re-evaluate high hazard areas and access,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh in a press release.
Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
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