Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials announced survey, drilling and soil sampling work will temporarily close Mauna Loa Road to public use starting Nov. 4. 

The closure will begin at the gate past Kipukapuaulu from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday because of a trailer-mounted drill rig and heavy machinery that will be stationed on the narrow road.

Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 to Kipukapuaulu, Kipukapuaulu Trail and the day-use area will remain open. The road will fully reopen to the public on weekends and holidays — including for Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and from Nov. 27 through the Thanksgiving weekend. Work will resume the following Monday.

Park officials say Mauna Loa Trail to Puʻuʻulaʻula and Red Hill Cabin will remain open, however access to and from the trailhead during work days will only be allowed before 8:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

First built as a truck trail by local members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Mauna Loa Road (not to be confused with Mauna Loa Observatory Road off Daniel K. Inouye Highway) has degraded due to tree root intrusion, seismicity and age.

The temporary closure for surveying, drilling and soil sampling is estimated to last through mid-December.

The work being done will determine the subgrade material and inform the design process for a major rehabilitation of Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout, officials say. The rehabilitation project is expected to begin in late 2025.

Officials encourage visitors to check the park website for updated closure information before heading to the park.