Popular Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Reopens After Kilauea Eruption

Just in time for National Park Week, much of the famed Kīlauea Iki Trail has reopened one year after the devastating volcanic eruptions at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

In May 2018, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and flowing lava caused massive destruction at the park, which is home to the Kīlauea Volcano — one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The damage was so severe that officials threatened to arrest locals and visitors that didn't evacuate the area.

The lava flow ended up destroying more than 700 homes in the area, and with Kīlauea's unpredictable eruptions, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park would remain closed for the next 134 days. The public wouldn't see even a portion of the park until September 22, 2018, when fractions of the area were opened to the public as the rest underwent construction and repair.

And now, finally, a majority of the popular Kīlauea Iki Trail has reopened to the public along with a majority of the national park.

CNN reported that the past year of recovery hasn't been easy on park staff. With Hurricane Lane, two destructive tropical storms, the Mauna Loa (another volcano in the park) wildfire and the federal government shutdown, officials have had an extremely busy time, to say the least.

As for now, the park looks like it's in the clear for any Kīlauea eruptions. However, scientists will continue to monitor for any activity. For updates, check out the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website.

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