Halema‘uma‘u is seen from Crater Rim Trail near Steam Vents on Tuesday morning, the calm before the storms/NPS

With two hurricanes approaching the Hawaiian Islands, officials at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are closing areas of the park until the storms pass.

To ensure the safety of visitors and employees, sections of the park started to close at 5 p.m. local time Tuesday as hurricanes Madeline and Lester approached Hawai‘i Island. 

Park closures are as follows for Tuesday, August 30 by 5 p.m.:

* Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Hilina Pali Road

* All backcountry sites and Mauna Loa Road from Kīpukapuaulu to the overlook

The following closures will commence on Wednesday, August 31:

* Nāmakanipaio Campground and A-Frame Cabins will close by 9 a.m.

* The coastal lava viewing area and Chain of Craters Road will close by 9 a.m.

* Jaggar Museum & Kīlauea Visitor Center will close Wed., 8/31, time to be determined

* The entrance station will close on Wednesday at a time to be determined

Guests staying at Kīlauea Military Camp and Volcano House may shelter in place, or be directed by employees to the nearest shelter (if necessary). In addition, the Kahuku Unit will remain closed through the weekend, but may reopen if Hurricane Lester is not a threat.

“Although we don’t intend at this time to close the entire park, visitors are advised to stay off the roads and plan to visit the park once the storms pass and damage is assessed,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Hurricane-force winds, dangerous surf, and very heavy rainfall were being expected.

Closures were to remain in effect until the storms passed and conditions were safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer, and any damage is assessed. Updates will be posted to the park’s website and recorded information line (808) 985-6000.

As of Tuesday afternoon, popular visitor areas at the summit of Kīlauea were to remain open at this time, including Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kīlauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum and observation deck.