You are here

Home » Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road Turning Into Evacuation Route

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road Turning Into Evacuation Route

Share

Published Date

May 31, 2018

A bulldozer prepares Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road as an emergency evacuation route for the community/NPS, Mike Theune

Work to reopen a road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that has been closed by lava flows for 41 of the 53 years it has existed is under way to create an evacuation route through the park should Highway 130 be overrun by lava from the ongoing Kīlauea Volcano eruption.

Work began Wednesday to scrape away a 0.7-mile-wide section of solidified lava from the now-defunct 61g lava flow that covered the Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road in 2016 and 2017. Rough grading and other reconstruction efforts to make the eight-mile length of coastal road passable are expected to take two weeks or less, according to a park release. The route is for evacuation purposes only, and will not be an alternate route for travel to and from the Kalapana area.

Bulldozers started work May 30, 2018, to reopen a nearly mile-long stretch of the Chain of Craters Road at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to serve as an evacuation route/National Park Service video

Measures will be taken to prevent adverse impacts to the natural and cultural resources within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. These include a thorough inspection of all vehicles and equipment for invasive species including little fire ants and coqui frogs. 

Chain of Craters Road spans 19 miles from the summit area of Kīlauea Volcano to the Hōlei Sea Arch in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eight-mile section (Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road) along the coast that once connected the park to Kalapana has been closed for years, but was recently reconstructed as an evacuation route in 2014. It was covered in lava in 2016 and 2017. Opened in 1965, the road has been blocked by lava for 41 of its 53-year-existence.

The public is reminded that this section of the park remains closed due to increased and hazardous volcanic and seismic activity. Goodfellows Bros., Inc., the contractor that worked to clear the emergency route in the 2014 Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flow, is doing the rough grading work on Chain of Craters Road.

Related Stories:

Kīlauea Continues To Put On A Dazzling Show At Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
A Day In The Park: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Exploring Paradise In Three Days

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.