Dry conditions have prompted Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to temporarily close part of Hilina Pali Road to motor vehicles, and to remind the public about existing campfire restrictions.
Hilina Pali Road from the gate past the Mauna Iki Trailhead to Hilina Pali Overlook is closed to motor vehicles. Bicycles and pedestrians are allowed, and those with a backcountry permit for the coastal backcountry or Pepeiao will be given access.
Hilina Pali Road between Chain of Craters Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground is open, but campfires are always prohibited in the campground and at backcountry coastal campsites and Pepeiao Cabin. Propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted.
The dry, grassy brush land below the Hilina Pali has seen below-average rainfall and has an elevated fire risk.
National Park Service firefighters on June 16 responded to a brush fire near Ka‘aha Trail below the Hilina Pali Overlook. Two firefighters and a helicopter contained the 1.2-acre fire, and a 10-person crew mopped up hotspots and monitored the area the following day. The fire likely was human-caused and is being investigated.