A dramatic new eruption from Kīlauea put on quite the show on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island—but travelers had to admire it from a distance. Portions of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park temporarily closed after 1,300-foot-tall lava fountains and falling volcanic debris made parts of the park unsafe for visitors.
The eruption began earlier last week at Halemaʻumaʻu crater, within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, sending glowing lava hundreds of feet into the air and releasing a plume of ash and volcanic fragments known as tephra. While eruptions are hardly unusual for Kīlauea—one of the most active volcanoes on Earth—the intensity of this episode prompted park officials to close several viewpoints, trails, and sections of road near the summit as a precaution.
The activity also spilled beyond park boundaries, leaving scattered debris and ashfall. As a result, a stretch of Hawai‘i Route 11—the main road that runs past the park and connects communities across the southern side of the island—was temporarily closed while crews assessed conditions and cleared volcanic fragments from the roadway. The closure briefly disrupted one of the primary driving routes used by visitors heading to the park from towns like Hilo and Volcano Village, although the highway has since reopened.
While the eruption has now paused, the park was again forced to close this week due to severe weather.
For travelers with upcoming plans to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, it’s important to check the latest alerts and advisories.
Kīlauea has been cycling through intermittent eruptive episodes for months—this latest burst prior to the storms marked the 43rd eruptive episode since the volcano entered its current active phase in December 2024—with activity flaring up for hours or days before easing again.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park hasn’t been the only headline-making volcano recently. For the past several years, Iceland has grappled with a rash of volcanic activity that has seen popular tourist sites like the Blue Lagoon forced to temporarily close at times. And last year, an eruption on Italy’s Mount Etna went viral when videos of people skiing past the lava flow surfaced. Mount Vesuvius is another famous active volcano near Naples in Italy. And there are also active volcanoes that are more dormant, such as Mount Fuji in Japan and Arenal in Costa Rica. Whether volcanoes are resting or more active, travelers should always keep certain safety tips in mind.
Volcano tourism: what travelers should (and shouldn’t) do
For travelers planning to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park once conditions improve, the eruption is a reminder that volcanoes are both mesmerizing and unpredictable. If viewing areas reopen while Kīlauea remains active, as often happens between eruptive bursts, it’s worth brushing up on a few basic volcano tourism do’s and don’ts before heading into the park—or anywhere that is known for active volcanoes, including places like Iceland and Mount Etna in Italy.
Check park alerts before you go
Activity levels, air quality, and road closures can shift quickly around active volcanoes. The National Park Service regularly updates conditions on its website and social channels, including which overlooks and trails are open. Travelers heading to the park—or nearby communities like Volcano Village—should check for the latest alerts and build a little extra flexibility into their plans in case there’s another closure.
The same goes for international volcanoes. Check with local authorities, tourism boards, and regional park services for the latest alerts and advice for travelers.
Pay close attention to warnings
Volcanoes have monitoring systems, and when alerts are issued, along with instructions on what to do and where to go, travelers should heed them immediately.
Don’t risk safety for a beautiful photo
Yes, volcanoes are dramatic and images of them can be stunning. But no photo is worth the risk to health and safety if it means getting in harm’s way.
Don’t wander off marked trails or beyond barriers
Lava fields often look like solid rock, but the crust can be thin and unstable, with extreme heat or molten rock just below the surface. Even areas that appear cool may still be dangerously hot. For volcanoes that offer access to the summit, not staying on marked trails can lead to a dangerous (and even deadly) fall.
Keep your distance from volcanic gases
Winds can carry sulfur dioxide and ash, which may irritate eyes and lungs—especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Pack for rugged conditions
Sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential on rough lava rock, and a flashlight or headlamp is helpful if you’re viewing lava glow at dusk. Water, sunscreen, and layers are also smart to bring, as conditions at the summit can shift quickly.
This story was published on March 13, 2026, and was updated on March 16, 2026, to include current information.
