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Dark lava fields and reddish volcanic cones stretch toward a broad mountain beneath thick clouds, with sparse shrubs

Park news · Hawaiʻi Volcanoes

Mauna Loa Closure: Check Access Before Planning Your Climb

At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, severe weather has temporarily closed Mauna Loa Summit, Puʻuʻulaʻula, and the cabins through October 28.

By Erika Müller,

If you're planning to climb Mauna Loa, check this alert before setting your itinerary. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, the announced closure covers the summit, Puʻuʻulaʻula, and the cabins. The NPS cites severe weather as the reason for this temporary closure.

Keep this date in mind. The announcement says the closure runs through October 28. That's the announced end date for the closure, but the date alone doesn't confirm that the sites will reopen afterward. We recommend checking their status for the day you plan to visit.

Reddish volcanic slopes scattered with dark rocks, with low clouds drifting between distant ridges beneath a hazy sky

As you plan, keep track of all three affected locations: Mauna Loa Summit, the Puʻuʻulaʻula area, also known as Red Hill, and the cabins. If your plans include any of these places, confirm access before going ahead with your trip. Don't assume a planned stop will be accessible based solely on the announced date.

The alert applies to these specific locations. It doesn't establish that all of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is closed. For context on how this restriction fits into your park visit, we recommend checking the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes park guide. Be sure to check access for your Mauna Loa plans separately.

If you're traveling after October 28, current conditions and access are still what matter. The information provided doesn't say whether the closure has been extended or whether the sites have reopened. We recommend keeping your plans flexible until you've confirmed access to the places you intend to visit.