Chain of Craters Road Still Closed After Short Kīlauea Eruption
There is no current eruption, but officials have raised the hazard alert to watch.
The 19-mile Chain of Craters Road that winds through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island remains closed after Kīlauea briefly erupted late Sunday night.
#Kilauea erupted briefly last night in a remote area west of Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Lava eruption started between 9:00-10:00 pm HST (Sep 15, 2024) & has ended. Sulfur dioxide continues to de-gas from vents. Vegetation burned. pic.twitter.com/i82iyJD5an
— USGS Volcanoes (@USGSVolcanoes) September 16, 2024
The road had been closed two days ago due to heightened gas emissions and volcanic unrest. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has raised the hazard alert level from advisory to watch.
On Sept. 15, between 9 and 10 p.m., Kīlauea erupted west of Nāpau Crater, along the middle East Rift Zone in the park. The eruption ended—don’t book your flights just yet!—but the potential impacts to the trail and nearby sites are still being evaluated.
Additional ground cracker and outbreaks of lava around active fissures are possible at any time, HVO warns. Areas will reopen after conditions are determined to be safe.
Travelers will plans to visit the national park should check the website for any closures or hazard alerts.
