MEDIA RELEASE

The mauka part of Mauna Loa Road, known locally as Mauna Loa Strip Road, is closed for repairs during daylight hours through Jan. 25, weather permitting, as road improvement projects continue
at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Mauna Loa Road will re-open at night and for the upcoming weekend.

Crews are patching the pavement along the first two-mile section of the narrow road, just past Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park). Kipuka Puaulu and the tree molds remain open, but Kipuka Ki, Mauna Loa Lookout, and the park’s backcountry trail off Mauna Loa Strip Road are not accessible.

The road will re-open daily when crews finish work, at approximately 5 p.m., and will be open for the upcoming weekend.

Mauna Loa Strip Road is a popular vantage point for residents and visitors wanting to observe the glow from the lava lake within Halemaumau after dark.

Drivers are also reminded to pay attention to, and be respectful of, the traffic control personnel directing vehicles within the main section of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where several road improvement projects continue.

There are no road closures within the main section of the park.