Construction to limit access to Mauna Loa Lookout

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has announced vehicle access to Mauna Loa Lookout will be limited for eight weeks, from Oct. 30 to Dec. 31, while accessibility is improved.

Pedestrians and bicyclists can use the 11.3-mile road, but drivers will have to stop at a designated parking spot five miles below Mauna Loa Lookout, the announcement says.

The lookout parking lot will be remade, and a new picnic area added with an accessible vault toilet (waste held in a vault until removal).

Hikers can walk around the construction to the Mauna Loa Trail, Pu‘u‘ula‘ula, Red Hill or the cabin, but the hike will be longer. Cyclists won’t be allowed past construction.

Prepared hikers can also get to Pu‘u‘ula‘ula, Mauna Loa summit and the cabin from the Mauna Loa Summit Trail (drive up Mauna Loa Observatory Road).

Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays.