Increased Volcanic Activity at Kīlauea Prompts Trail Closures in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Officials are closely watching increased volcanic activity at Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Hundreds of minor earthquakes and rockfall risks have led to the temporary closure of certain trails.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a warning after noticing renewed spattering at two vents. This activity follows recent seismic events under the volcano’s summit.

The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail are closed. Increased seismic activity and rockfall concerns are the reasons for these 1.3 miles of trail closures.

A couple got trapped at a leading hiking spot; only one survived.

The NPS reported more than 200 shallow earthquakes beneath Kīlauea’s summit last week. A magnitude-3.4 earthquake on September 30 triggered minor rockfalls along the caldera’s north wall.

As of Thursday, Kīlauea is designated at an ORANGE aviation color code on the USGS’s scale. This indicates a high level of volcanic activity and the possibility of an eruption with limited risks to aviation.

Scientists observed new cracks on the caldera floor caused by magma intrusion between September 30 and October 1. However, they are unable to predict when or if the next lava fountaining episode will occur.

An advisory from the USGS highlights the dangers, including hazardous gas emissions and tiny volcanic fragments that may irritate the skin and eyes. Visitors and residents should avoid exposure to these fragments, which reappear during windy conditions.

The NPS urges people to refrain from entering closed areas and keep away from unstable cliff edges, which may suddenly collapse.

Kīlauea, among the world’s most active volcanoes, has erupted multiple times since 1952. Eruptive activity was consistent from 1983 to 2018 along the East Rift Zone until a significant summit collapse occurred.

Since December 2024, eruptions have intermittently occurred within the Halema’uma’u crater at the summit.

The NPS noted increased visitation during Kīlauea’s eruptions, with tourists eager to witness the activity. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park saw over 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025.

Fox News Digital contacted the NPS for further information and comment.