MAUNAKEA, Hawaii — High winds up to nearly 100 mph and heavy rain from Hurricane Hone significantly damaged roads and terrain on the summit of Maunakea, according to the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

As the land is currently managed by the University of Hawaii at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship, CMS crews and Maunakea rangers are working to repair the road and address other damage. As a result, Maunakea Access Road will be closed until at least Aug. 28.

The rain opened up several large cracks on Maunakea Access Road and landslides also occurred near the Maunakea Observatories.

Located at mid-level elevation, the Visitor Information Station is open to visitors.

“We commend our dedicated rangers and staff, who are committed to overseeing Maunakea and safeguarding visitors,” said Nahua Guilloz, director of stewardship at CMS, in a news release. “Our teams are working diligently to reopen the roads safely and as quickly as possible.”

On Aug. 24 during the worst of the storm, Maunakea rangers assisted 17 visitors who were stranded about four miles below the visitor center after a large tree blocked their departure, according to the release. They were taken to the visitor center while Department of Transportation crews cleared the road.

Repair updates will be provided as information becomes available.

The UH Hilo’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship jointly manages Maunakea with the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, which will assume full management of summit lands by July 1, 2028.