Chain of Craters Road and nearby sites have been reopened as unrest and seismicity return to normal levels in Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone (ERZ).

Areas accessed by Chain of Craters Road, including coastal backcountry sites, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Keanakākoʻi, and the Devastation Trail and parking area, are now open.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and park staff closely monitored a flurry of earthquakes that shook the ERZ near Puhimau Crater in the park on Tuesday, November 21. The activity, which decreased through the night, prompted park closures that were lifted yesterday morning.

There is currently no sign of an imminent eruption in this area, according to USGS.

Seismic activity has returned to the pattern held since mid-October with the unrest focused in an area south/southwest of the caldera to the Koaʻe fault zone. As a precaution, two trails to the south/southwest of the caldera closed since October remain closed.

Park visitors can access the park website for updates and alerts.

 

Photo credit: HVNP