Rumbling volcano forces immediate trail closures at popular vacation hot spot

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a volcanic activity notice earlier this week for the Kīlauea volcano at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, reporting renewed spattering at two vents following recent activity beneath the summit.

The National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday that Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail would temporarily close amid increased seismic activity and concerns about rockfalls. 

The closures affect a combined 1.3 miles of trails.

Kīlauea remained at an ORANGE aviation color code, the second-highest level on the USGS' four-tier scale, as of Thursday. 

The intrusion, which occurred from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, is believed to have caused new cracks along the caldera floor, according to scientists.

Scientists said they cannot forecast when - or if - the volcano's 55th episode of lava fountaining will occur.

"Forecast windows for episode 55 fountaining can no longer be modeled due to changes in conditions," the USGS advisory said.

"Small glassy volcanic fragments may be remobilized during windy conditions following recent eruptive episodes," the statement added.

"Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation."

Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has erupted dozens of times since 1952, according to the USGS.

Eruptive activity was nearly continuous along the volcano's East Rift Zone from 1983 to 2018, a 35-year stretch that ended amid significant eruptive activity and a collapse at the summit, the agency said.

Since December 2024, an eruption has been intermittently active within Halema'uma'u crater at the summit.

Fox News Digital reached out to NPS for further details and comment.