Uēkahuna, Overlooking Kīlauea Near Jaggar Museum, Reopens To The Public, HVNP

Uēkahuna, the awe-inspiring cliff top at the summit of Kīlauea volcano in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, has reopened to the public. A half-mile of Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail west of Kīlauea Overlook to the Uēkahuna bluff parking lot have also reopened. In addition, public restrooms near the former Jaggar Museum site and a half-mile section of trail connecting Nāmakanipaio Campground to Uēkahuna, also reopened this morning. Uēkahuna closed in 2018 when magma drained from Halemaʻumaʻu, the summit crater, triggering months of repetitive earthquakes, damaging ash clouds and the eventual collapse of Kīlauea summit. A section of Crater Rim Drive dropped into the crater and park buildings, roads and infrastructure were badly damaged. Data from multiple post-disaster assessments indicate the areas do not pose an immediate risk as long as people stay on trail and stay away from the cliff edges. The park will continue to closely monitor the area, and respond as necessary to any changes. Native Hawaiians have come to Uēkahuna long before the park was established to connect to their ancestral home. Please be respectful of others, and allow them to practice their traditions privately. Learn more about the potent wahi pana (legendary place) of Uēkahuna: https://go.nps.gov/8hvqgc NPS Photo/J.Wei