MEDIA RELEASE

On the slopes of Mauna Loa, drought turns normally hearty pukiawe shrubs to toast.

Extreme fire danger conditions continue in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park due to a prolonged dry spell.

To reduce the risk of wildland fire, the following areas are closed to all visitor use including driving, hiking, biking, and horse riding:

• Mauna Loa Road at Kipukapuaulu
• Hilina Pali Road at Mauna Iki Trailhead
• Ainahou

In addition, all campfires and barbeques are prohibited throughout the park including at Kipukapuaulu picnic area, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki campgrounds, and the Kahuku Unit.

Visitors can still camp overnight and picnic at Kulanaokuaiki and Namakanipaio campgrounds.

Visitors should refrain from smoking while hiking, completely extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly, and always park on paved surfaces as a car’s hot undercarriage can ignite grass and shrubs.

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