HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — The parking lot at Maunaulu and Napau Trails reopened on Friday.

Firefighters, with the assistance of two helicopters, continue wildfire suppression efforts in the area, according to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The fire is 70% contained. 

It poses no threats to homes at this time.

Park staff will be stationed at the Maunaulu parking lot to provide fire infroamtion and keep visitors clear of helicopter operations.

Two NPS firefighters and helicopters assigned to the Makaopuhi Fire. (Photo courtesy of National Park Service/J. Wei)

The remote 78-acre Makaopuhi Fire was ignited by Kilauea’s Sept. 15 eruption. According to the HVNP release, fire activity increased because of a lack of recent rainfall, low humidity and wind.

The Pacific Islands Fire management team, made up of 22 firefighters from Hawaii Island and American Samoa, constructed a fire line to gain control of the fire’s perimeter. The firefighters were supported by helicopter water drops, and the area near Maunaulu parking lot was being used as a staging area, helispot and temporary dip site. 

According to the HVNP, the Makaopuhi Fire is a threat to Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area. The remote location and the hazardous volcanic terrain in Kilauea’s remote East Rift Zone adds to the difficulty of fire suppression efforts. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated with information about the Maunaulu and Napau Trails reopening on Friday. (Oct. 11, 2024)