Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Closes Trails Amid Renewed Kīlauea Activity
USGS monitoring Kīlauea volcano for potential lava fountains as seismic activity increases and rockfall risks prompt closures.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has temporarily closed certain trails due to increased seismic activity and rockfall hazards associated with renewed volcanic activity at Kīlauea.
Officials from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a volcanic activity notice earlier this week, reporting renewed spattering at two vents following recent subsurface activity beneath the summit. In response, the National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday the closure of the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and a portion of the Byron Ledge Trail, affecting approximately 1.3 miles of hiking routes.
Over 200 shallow earthquakes have been recorded beneath Kīlauea's summit in the past week, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, cited by the NPS. A magnitude-3.4 earthquake on September 30 caused small rockfalls along the caldera's north wall.
Kīlauea remains at an ORANGE aviation color code, the second-highest level on the USGS' four-tier scale, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption. Scientists noted that an intrusion of magma between September 30 and October 1 is believed to have created new cracks on the caldera floor.
However, USGS scientists stated that they cannot predict if or when the volcano's 55th episode of lava fountaining might occur, as forecast models are no longer applicable due to changing conditions.
Authorities are also warning residents and visitors about potential hazards, including dangerous gas emissions and small volcanic fragments. These fragments, described as glassy, can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly in windy conditions.
The NPS is advising the public to stay out of closed areas and remain clear of unstable cliff edges, which are prone to sudden collapse. Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has a history of numerous eruptions since 1952. From 1983 to 2018, the volcano's East Rift Zone saw nearly continuous eruptive activity for 35 years.
Despite the risks, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park saw over 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025, with many visitors drawn by the opportunity to witness volcanic activity. In December 2024, an eruption intermittently occurred within Halema'uma'u crater at the summit.