Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close ahead of approaching storm

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park will close at 5 p.m. Friday ahead of the approaching tropical storm.

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The closure includes the Kahuku Unit and comes as another lava fountaining episode is expected between Saturday and Aug. 26.

This comes after Hurricane Lala dumped more than 40 inches of rain in some parts of Hawaii Island the previous weekend.

Highway 11 could also be restricted to area residents from the park entrance to Ka’u if a lava fountaining episode happens during the storm.

The park said it is coordinating with Hawaii County officials to prioritize safety and reduce non-essential traffic on island roadways.

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Tropical Depression Two-C could bring heavy rain to the area as early as Saturday. The storm is expected to follow a path further south than Hurricane Lala but it could bring more flooding, especially in hard-hit areas.

During the park closure, overnight guests with existing reservations will be allowed in Kilauea Military Camp and Volcano House but will be required to shelter in place.

The park has been without power since Saturday, Aug. 15 and internet and phone lines are also down.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which operates within the park, is also without power. HVO staff continue to monitor volcanic and seismic hazards using backup systems.

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