Message from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Safety is our top priority during the upcoming traffic changes for roundabout construction and paving. Expect increased road traffic, pedestrians, and occasional confusion among motorists. Walk and drive defensively, use marked walking paths where available, and stay vigilant; never assume a vehicle will see you or avoid you.

Upcoming Traffic Pattern Changes for Roundabout Construction & Paving

Phase 1 – See Detour Route Image 1B. Start 4/16/25

• Duration: 2 days (there may be more Phase 1 at a later date since they are only working on electrical items this time)
• Hours: 7:00 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday
• Details: Crews will work on final preparation of the administrative lane and the exit vehicle pullout lane, as well as the first leg of the roundabout. 
  • Lane closures will alternate between entrance and exit lanes, with closures shifting during the work period.
  • There may be intermittent detours rerouting entrance traffic to the exit lane; the contractor will notify the park in advance for setup.
  • Traffic turning left after entrance station (left lane) will be allowed to turn left.
  • Detour: Access to Crater Rim Drive East and Chain of Craters Road will require using the admin road by the ʻŌhiʻa Wing, with one-way traffic through the admin/housing area.
  • No roadside parking or two-way traffic allowed in the admin/housing area during this phase. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be separated as much as possible.
  • No parking available for entrance station staff near the entrance booths, but an alternate nearby site will be designated by the contractor.

Phase 2 – See Detour Route Image 2B. Start likely mid-May

• Duration: 6 weeks or until initial paving is complete
• Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Details: Work will focus on preparing and fine-grading the roundabout and some paving, with significant changes to traffic flow: 
  • All vehicles from the entrance station will detour onto the first roundabout leg (gravel) leading to the Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC) parking area.
  • Traffic heading toward Crater Rim Drive East or Chain of Craters Road will turn left at the first intersection in KVC parking lot to head to the admin/housing area and proceed through one-way traffic. There will be no left turns after the entrance station.
  • Traffic heading toward Crater Rim Drive West (Steam Vents, Volcano House, etc.) will pass through the KVC parking lot past the bus parking and exit onto Crater Rim Drive West.
  • All traffic exiting the park coming from KVC or Crater Rim Drive West will need to go through the detour to get to the exit.
  • No two-way traffic or roadside parking allowed in the admin/housing area during this phase.
  •  No parking available for entrance station staff near the entrance booths.

Phase 3 – See Drawing 3A. Start TBD

• Duration: 2 weeks
• Hours: 7:00 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday
• Details: Crews will conduct fine grading for staff parking areas and prepare the roundabout island between the exit lane and entrance booth. 
  • Traffic patterns will shift onto the completed legs of the roundabout, with clear wayfinding signs installed in advance to reduce confusion.
  • Vehicles will use the respective roundabout legs to access Crater Rim Drive West, Crater Rim Drive East/Chain of Craters Road, and the park exit.
  • No parking available for entrance station staff near the entrance booths.

Phase 4 – See Drawings 4B, 4C, and 4D. Start TBD.

• Duration: 1 day 
• Details: Paving work will be completed for the exit lane and entrance station parking area: 
  • All exiting traffic will be rerouted to use Mauna Loa Road (past KMC) for this day. Traffic control staff will be stationed at key points on Crater Rim Drive West and Highway 11 to guide vehicles.
  • The exact date will be communicated at least one week in advance.
  • No parking available for entrance station staff near the entrance booths.