Renewed volcanic activity at one of Hawaii’s busiest tourist attractions has prompted officials to close several trails temporarily, after hundreds of earthquakes and the threat of falling rocks raised safety concerns.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued an alert earlier this week for Kīlauea volcano at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Scientists reported fresh spattering from two vents after a new burst of activity beneath the summit.
The National Park Service (NPS) said Wednesday that Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and a section of Byron Ledge Trail would be closed temporarily because of elevated seismic activity and the possibility of rockfalls.
Together, the closures cover about 1.3 miles of park trails.
More than 200 shallow earthquakes struck beneath Kīlauea’s summit over the past week, according to the NPS, which cited information from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
A magnitude-3.4 earthquake recorded on Sept. 30 triggered minor rockfalls along the northern wall of the caldera.
As of Thursday, Kīlauea remained under an ORANGE aviation color code, the second-highest designation in the USGS’ four-level warning system.
The alert signals increased volcanic unrest and the possibility of an eruption, or an ongoing eruption posing limited danger to aircraft.
Scientists believe an underground intrusion between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 may have opened additional cracks across the caldera floor.
However, researchers said they are unable to determine when—or whether—the volcano’s 55th lava-fountaining episode will take place.
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“Forecast windows for episode 55 fountaining can no longer be modeled due to changes in conditions,” the USGS said in its advisory.
The agency also warned of hazards for people in the area, including potentially harmful volcanic gases and tiny, glass-like fragments capable of irritating the skin and eyes.
“Small glassy volcanic fragments may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes,” the statement said.
The USGS urged residents and visitors to limit their exposure to the particles because they can cause skin and eye irritation.
The NPS reminded visitors to obey all closure signs and avoid unstable cliff edges, which may give way with little or no warning.
Kīlauea is considered one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and has erupted dozens of times since 1952, according to the USGS.
The volcano’s East Rift Zone experienced nearly continuous eruptions from 1983 through 2018. That 35-year period ended with intense eruptive activity and a major collapse at the summit, the agency said.
Since December 2024, intermittent eruptions have continued inside Halema’uma’u crater at the summit.
The National Park Service has reported a sharp rise in visitors during Kīlauea’s eruptive periods, as tourists seek views of the volcano’s dramatic activity.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park recorded more than 1.8 million recreational visits in 2025, according to NPS figures.
Fox News Digital reached out to NPS for further details and comment.