Officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced the reopening of the Napau Crater area and a two-mile stretch of trail as the attraction continues its recovery from the eruptions and tremors of 2018.
"We are excited to reopen more of the park to backpackers now that Kilauea is quiet and Puu Oo vent is no longer an eruption hazard," acting superintendent Rhonda Loh said in a statement. "Puu Oo vent will remain closed due to its steep and unstable flanks, but hikers will be able to walk right up to its base."
The moderately difficult hike, seven miles to the crater campground and nine miles total one way, passes through native rainforest, historic eruption sites and lava tree molds. All overnight camping requires a backcountry permit, and day hikers on Napau Trail must sign in at the trailhead near the Mauna Ulu parking lot.
For more information on Napau Trail and how to obtain a backcountry permit for overnight camping, click here.