- Editor’s note: Maunakea Access Road reopened on Tuesday, August 27.
Hurricane Hone hit Hawaiʻi Island on August 24 and caused significant damage to the roads and terrain on the summit of Maunakea on lands currently managed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS).
The Maunakea Access Road will be closed at least until Wednesday, August 28, as CMS crews and Maunakea rangers make repairs.
Winds reached nearly 100 mph on the summit and heavy rain opened up several large cracks on Maunakea Access Road. Landslides were also reported near the Maunakea Observatories. CMS crews equipped with road repair equipment are filling and repairing the area to address the damage.
The Visitor Information Station (VIS) located in the mountain’s mid-level elevation 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. “Our teams are working diligently to reopen the roads safely and as quickly as possible.”
Rangers assist stranded visitors
Maunakea rangers assisted 17 visitors stranded about 4 miles below the Visitor Information Station after a large tree blocked their departure on August 24. The rangers transported the group to the VIS, where they were provided with shelter and refreshments while Department of Transportation crews cleared the road.
Updates on repairs and the road closure will be provided as more information becomes available.
The UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship jointly manages Maunakea with the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The Authority assumes full management of the summit lands by July 1, 2028.
