Roads in HVNP reopen following quakes

Chain of Craters Road and other previously closed roads near Kilauea’s summit have reopened after seismic activity has diminished.

Increased seismic activity was observed around the volcano’s upper East Rift Zone since late July, including an increase in earthquakes. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed Chain of Craters Road to vehicle traffic on Aug. 21 after cracks in the road were found to have grown in size and depth after those earthquakes.

Since then, HVNP staff have monitored the road and determined that with the seismic activity reduced, the cracks are no longer growing and that low-speed travel will not deteriorate the road further.

Consequently, Chain of Craters Road, Hilina Pali Road and the Kulanaokuaiki Campground are now open to the public, as are the park’s backcountry sites.

Drivers are advised to proceed with caution, obey speed limits and watch for cracks, humps and wildlife.