Kipahulu Area Closed Due To Visitor Safety Concerns

Cumulative effects of the 6.7 earthquake of October 15th and heavy rains on the 17th and 18th led to road closures on either side of the Kipululu area of Haleakala National Park. On October 22nd, the park closed the entire Kipahulu area to visitors. The closure includes the visitor center, campground, the pools at `Ohe`o gulch, and all trails. The closure will continue until visitors and staff can access the park safely. FEMA inspectors declared that the Paihi Bridge and numerous rock outcroppings along the highway on either side of the park’s boundary could collapse at any moment. The Hana Highway is closed at mile marker 45.5, approximately seven miles southwest of Hana town and three miles from the Kipahulu visitor center. The south road (Highway 31) is also closed at mile marker 16 just past the Ulupalakua store. Due to the county and state closure of these roads, there is no safe access to the Kipahulu area. Kipahulu staff are preparing to move into a temporary information station next to the Hana Post Office until further notice.