HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – Several portions of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park were closed on Monday, April 29, after a significant increase in seismic activity was recorded throughout the area.
According to a news release from the national park, the closures include Chain of Craters Road from the intersection at Crater Rim Drive, Hilina Pali Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Maunaiki Trail, and Kaʻū Desert Trail from the Footprints Exhibit. Additionally, overnight camping has been suspended at all coastal sites and Nāpau and Pepeiao Cabin.
“Safety is our main focus, and the uncertainty of where an eruption could break out increases risk. Elevated volcanic gases, dangerous lava activity, damaging earthquakes and lava-ignited wildfire are all potential hazards associated with an eruption.” – Chief Ranger Jack Corrao
360 shallow earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from M-1 to M-3 were recorded in several areas throughout the park in the 24 hours leading up to the closure. It’s not possible to know for certain if the increase in seismic activity will lead to an eruption in the near future, and the inconsistency in earthquake locations makes it difficult to know where one would occur if one did.
The increase in activity, however, does seem to suggest that an eruption in the park is a possible outcome.
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