Sulphur Banks Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopens to visitors

News Release Date:
November 22, 2024

Contact: Michael Newman, (808) 985-6012

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - Sulphur Banks Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open following a complete replacement of the boardwalk and other safety upgrades.

The degraded boardwalk, benches and railings were replaced with durable, weather-resistant yellow cedar, and the foundation is now reinforced with sturdy concrete blocks.

The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park trail crew and two carpenters from Yellowstone National Park finished the project several weeks ahead of schedule. Park staff will reinstall interpretive signs along the boardwalk after they receive new mounting hardware to make the signs accessible.

The project improves visitor safety and accessibility at Haʻakulamanu. The area, also called Sulphur Banks, is known for the bright yellow sulfur crystals that cling to lava rocks. Volcanic gases and steam waft out of the ground, making the trail a photogenic and popular experience on Kīlauea volcano.

The new boardwalk is expected to last 15 to 20 years. Exposure to volcanic gas, heat, sun, and rain contributed to the degradation of the previous boardwalk originally built in 2000.

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