Rumbling volcano forces immediate trail closures at popular vacation hot spot

Kīlauea’s Resurgent Activity Triggers Trail Closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii – The Kīlauea volcano, long one of the world’s most active eruptions, is once again showing signs of renewed activity, prompting park officials to close parts of two popular hiking routes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a volcanic‑activity notice earlier this week, noting fresh spattering at two vents after a series of shallow earthquakes beneath the summit. The National Park Service (NPS) announced on Wednesday that the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and a segment of the Byron Ledge Trail would be temporarily shut, covering a combined 1.3 miles.

A surge in seismic and volcanic events

During the past week, more than 200 shallow earthquakes were recorded beneath Kīlauea’s summit, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which is part of the NPS. A magnitude‑3.4 quake on Sept. 30 triggered small rockfalls along the caldera’s north wall. The intrusion of magma from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 is thought to have produced new cracks across the caldera floor, the USGS said.

“The forecast windows for episode 55 fountaining can no longer be modeled due to changes in conditions,” the advisory read, a clear sign that scientists cannot predict when—or if—the volcano will resume its 55th phase of lava spattering.

Hazard warnings and visitor safety

Kīlauea remains at an “orange” aviation color code, the second‑highest level on the USGS four‑tier scale. An orange status indicates heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption, or for one that is already underway, with limited hazards to aviation.

Officials also highlighted a range of other risks for residents and visitors:

• Potentially dangerous gas emissions.
• Small, glass‑like volcanic fragments that can cause skin and eye irritation. “Small glassy volcanic fragments may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes,” the USGS statement added. “Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation.”
• The risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges that can collapse without warning.

The NPS urged all guests to stay away from closed areas and unstable cliff faces, reminding them that “the number of visits surged during Kīlauea's eruptive episodes, with tourists drawn to opportunities to view the volcanic activity.” Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park logged more than 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025, a record for the park.

Trail closures and what they mean for hikers

The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, a favorite for its views of the crater and active vents, and part of the Byron Ledge Trail are closed until further notice. Together, the two sections amount to 1.3 miles of hiking path. Park rangers are monitoring the area closely and will reopen the trails once the activity subsides and the hazards are deemed safe.

Visitors planning trips to the park are encouraged to check the latest updates on the NPS website and the USGS volcano monitoring page. Those who are already on the island can still enjoy other parts of the park, but should remain vigilant about weather, gas advisories, and the potential for sudden rockfall.

A long‑standing volcano that keeps erupting

Kīlauea has erupted dozens of times since 1952, and its activity has often drawn crowds eager to witness the dynamic landscape. From 1983 to 2018, the volcano’s East Rift Zone produced nearly continuous eruptions—a 35‑year stretch that ended with a significant summit collapse. Since December 2024, eruptive activity has been intermittently active within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit.

While scientists cannot forecast when the volcano will erupt again, they continue to monitor the seismic activity, gas emissions, and changes in the caldera floor. The USGS and the NPS will update the public as new data come in.

Stay informed, stay safe

For visitors and residents in the vicinity, the message is clear: heed the warnings, stay out of the closed sections, and keep an eye on the latest updates. The orange aviation color code signals that while the risk to aircraft is limited, the volcano is still active and can produce hazardous conditions on the ground.

As Kīlauea’s vents continue to spit and the earth trembles beneath the summit, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains a living laboratory of volcanic science—and a reminder that the island’s most iconic natural feature is not just a tourist attraction, but a powerful force of nature.