Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials will close all backcountry areas and certain roads at 5 p.m. Friday ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Darby.
Closed are Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Namakanipaio Cabins and Campgrounds; Hilina Pali Road; Chain of Craters Road at the Crater Rim Drive intersection; lava viewing area and Coastal Ranger Station; entire backcountry, including all coastal sites, Napau and Mauna Loa; and Mauna Loa Road after Kipukapuaulu and Kahuku.
Closures will remain in effect until the storm has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer, and any damage is assessed. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will remain open for registered guests.
“Although we aren’t closing Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in its entirety, we strongly encourage visitors to consider changing their plans if they were planning to visit Friday afternoon or this weekend,” said Chief Ranger John Broward.
Popular visitor areas at the summit of Kilauea will remain open at this time, including Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum and observation deck. Visitors can check the park website, www.nps.gov/havo, for the latest information on openings, or call 985-6000.