Parts of HVNP closed after a series of earthquakes

Chain of Craters Road and other parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have been closed in response to an increase in seismic activity beneath Kilauea volcano.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that at about 11 a.m. Monday, a spate of earthquakes began around Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone. About 40 earthquakes were detected, with the largest recorded at magnitude 3.1.

While HVO reported there are no signs of an imminent eruption — Kilauea’s volcano alert level remains at “Advisory” — it warns that conditions at the volcano could change quickly. The report went on to note that previous eruptions in the area have typically happened between Hi‘iaka Crater and Maunaulu within the park

HVNP announced Monday afternoon that it would close several parts of the park to the public in case of further volcanic activity.

The closed areas include Chain of Craters Road from the Devastation Trail parking lot all the way to the coast, the Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Crater Rim Trail south of the Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube, and Escape Road between Nahuku and Maunaulu.

All coastal backcountry areas and Napau sites are also closed, and all backcountry permits for those areas have been cancelled.

“It is never an easy decision to close areas, but it is the right thing to do. Safety is always our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh in a statement. “We remain in constant communication with scientists at (HVO) and will continue to notify the public of any changes.”

The increased seismic activity currently is restricted to the summit and upper East Rift Zone of Kilauea, with seismicity and ground deformation rates low in other parts of the volcano. No increased volcanic gas emission rates have been reported.

HVO continues to closely monitor the situation.