Renewed volcanic activity at Kīlauea volcano in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has prompted officials to temporarily close several trails in the area. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a notice earlier this week reporting renewed spattering at two vents following recent activity beneath the summit. The National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday that the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail would be closed due to increased seismic activity and concerns about rockfalls.
The closures affect a combined 1.3 miles of trails. Over the past week, more than 200 shallow earthquakes were recorded beneath Kīlauea's summit, according to the NPS, citing the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 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, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption.
The USGS has warned that scientists cannot forecast when, or if, the volcano's 55th episode of lava fountaining will occur. Forecast windows for this event can no longer be modeled due to changes in conditions. Officials have also outlined several hazards for residents and visitors, including potentially dangerous gas emissions and small, glassy volcanic fragments that can cause skin and eye irritation.
Visitors to the park are advised to stay out of closed areas and away from unstable cliff edges, which can collapse without warning. Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has erupted dozens of times since 1952, with eruptive activity nearly continuous along the volcano's East Rift Zone from 1983 to 2018. The park recorded over 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025, with tourists drawn to opportunities to view the volcanic activity.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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