Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: Mauna Loa Road Closed for Tree Removal

If you're planning a trip up into the volcano's higher elevations, here's something to note right away. Part of Mauna Loa Road, one of the park's high-country roads, is off-limits for several weeks while crews clear trees.

The closure runs from September 23 to October 29, 2026. It doesn't cover the whole road, just the stretch between the second cattle guard (that grid of metal bars set into the road to keep livestock in, about two miles past Kīpukapuaulu) and Mauna Loa Lookout. In other words, the upper part of the road, all the way to Mauna Loa Lookout, is cut off, while the lower section stays open.

There's one important catch. The closure applies to everyone, no exceptions. Cars, bikes, and pedestrians can't use the area during this window. So don't count on walking or biking in to slip past the barrier. Access is closed no matter how you get around.

Why the work? Clearing the trees sets the stage for a bigger Mauna Loa Road rehabilitation project. Put another way, this temporary hassle is the front end of a road repaving effort, which is good news over the long haul for anyone drawn to the park's high country.

In practical terms, if your plans included Mauna Loa Lookout or the high-elevation trailheads, it's worth shifting that leg or pushing it to after late October. The rest of the park still has plenty going for it, with craters, lava flows, and volcanic vistas all still open. To plan the rest of your stay and find the highlights that are still open, lean on the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes park guide. And if you're building a wider loop around the islands, take a look at our road trip itinerary that runs through this park to line up the other stops around this work window.