Fallen trees force closure of Namakanipaio

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Namakanipaio Campground and cabins at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remain closed until further notice because of several large eucalyptus trees that recently fell.

Namakanipaio Campground and cabins at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remain closed until further notice because of several large eucalyptus trees that recently fell.

The park and Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Co., which manages the campground and cabins within the national park, were expected to complete an assessment and then determine when the campground can safely reopen.

Kulanaokuaiki Campground remains open on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge. Reservations are not required for Kulanaokuaiki. The backcountry campgrounds along the coast, at Napau Crater Overlook, Pepeiao and on Mauna Loa remain open and backpackers can obtain a backcountry permit from the backcountry office, located in the Visitor Emergency Operations Center up to 24 hours in advance. The backcountry office is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for park visitors and the community who enjoy Namakanipaio,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Safety is our number one priority in the park, and we do not want anyone to get hurt,” she said.

Recent heavy rain and strong winds contributed to the downing of the trees in the campground area.