Mauna Loa Trail has reopened from the trailhead near Mauna Loa Lookout to Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Red Hill Cabin is now open.
Mauna Loa Trail and the backcountry wilderness above Red Hill Cabin remain closed due to hazards from the eruption which started November 27, 2022 and ended December 10, 2022.
Although USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory downgraded the status of the world’s most massive volcano to Green/Normal last week, serious hazards remain in closed areas particularly near recent flows and vents, including:
- Above Puʻuʻulaʻula, significant sections of trail and trail markers are covered in new lava, increasing the risk of getting lost
- Thin layers of solidified lava can collapse if walked on causing lacerations or injury by falling into a cavity
- Closed areas are in a remote, high-elevation location that often has poor weather and visibility, increasing the risk of getting lost and delayed response time by first responders
- Localized pockets of volcanic gas and particles may remain and present a danger to everyone. Face masks do not protect against gas or particles
The steep, 7.5-mile (12.1 km) hike from Mauna Lookout to Red Hill Cabin at the 10,035-ft (3,059 m) elevation is not for everyone. Know your limits. Overnight use of Red Hill Cabin requires a backcountry permit. For more information, visit the park website.