News Release
Photo credit Yvonne Baur/Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – A new eruption of Kīlauea volcano that began around 12:30 a.m. on Monday June 3, 2024 is in a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Due to the remote and unpredictable nature of the fissure eruption, the following temporary closures are in place for everyone’s safety:
- Hilina Pali Road from Chain of Craters Road intersection
- Kulanaokuaiki Campground
- Pepeiao Cabin
- Kaʻaha Trail and campground
- Kaʻū Desert Trail and pullout on Highway 11
- Maunaiki Trail
The fissure eruption is in a remote area about 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Kīlauea caldera and is not accessible. Park rangers and scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continue to assess eruption conditions. No safe lava-viewing locations have been established at this time.
However, a beautiful red-orange lava glow was visible in the sky before dawn from overlooks along Crater Rim Trail including Uēkahuna and Volcano House. Early risers witnessed the glowing evidence of Pele, the elemental force of Hawaiian volcanoes, return for the first time since September 2023. After daybreak, a wispy distant gas plume became visible from Uēkahuna and other summit overlooks.
The park expects an influx of visitors hoping to see the latest volcanic activity, which can change at anytime. Everyone is urged to stay safe and be respectful of the sacredness of Kīlauea by doing the following:
- Volcanic eruptions are hazardous. Stay on marked trails and overlooks, and do not enter closed areas. Avoid cliff edges and earth cracks which are unstable.
- Respect Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners who honor the sacred legacy of this land and give them space to practice their customs.
- Slow down and drive safely. Expect long waits for parking spaces at popular vantage points.
Most popular areas in the park remain open, including Kīlauea Visitor Center, overlooks along Crater Rim Trail, Volcano House, Nāhuku lava tube, and Chain of Craters Road, but no lava is visible to the public. Coastal backcountry sites from Halapē to the east remain open.
Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for closure and hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes. Live webcam images, Kīlauea updates and more are available on the USGS HVO website.
The eruption is entirely within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and poses no threat to the community at this time.
-NPS-
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: June 4, 2024