News Release Date:
November 8, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - Mauna Loa Road in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed to all use while survey, drilling and soil sampling work is underway. Some access will be provided. Here's what you need to know:

• Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 to Kīpukapuaulu, Kīpukapuaulu Trail and the day-use area are open.

• The closure starts at the gate past Kīpukapuaulu Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m to 4 p.m. due to a large trailer-mounted drill rig and heavy machinery dominating the narrow road.

• The road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists before 8:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• The road will open on weekends to all users, including vehicles, and close at 7 p.m. Sundays.

• Mauna Loa Road will open on holidays for all use including November 11 for Veterans Day (closed at 7 p.m.) and November 27 through Thanksgiving weekend (closed at 7 p.m. Sunday).

• Mauna Loa Trail and Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Cabin will remain open, but access to and from the trailhead during work days will only be permitted before 8:30 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

This section of historic Mauna Loa Road (not to be confused with Mauna Loa Observatory Road off Daniel K. Inouye Highway) was first built as a truck trail by local members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has degraded due to tree root intrusion, seismicity and age.

The initial survey, drilling and sampling work will determine the subgrade material and inform the design process to rehabilitate of Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout, where the bumpy and uneven road ends around 6,700 feet. The rehab project will improve the safety and accessibility of the scenic road and keep its historic width and scenic alignment through native forest, lava flows and viewpoints. The project is expected to start in late 2025.

The temporary closure of Mauna Loa Road is expected to last through mid-December. Visit the park website for additional temporary construction-related closures.

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