Search and Rescue Recovers Deceased Man From Closed Section of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
On February 26th, 2026, National Park Service personnel responded to an incident reported in a closed area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The incident occurred on the east side of the Kīlauea caldera.
Search and rescue personnel conducted operations throughout the night, searchign the steep and hazardous terrain before locating the individual on February 27th. The person was then airlifted from the area and transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
According to the National Park Service, the individual was a 33-year-old Hawai’i resident. The family has been notified and the identity of the individual is currently being withheld for privacy purposes. The incident is still under investigation. The volcano was not erupting at the time of the incident.
The Kīlaeuea caldera area includes hazardous terrain like unstable cliff edges and volcanic features. Visitors are required to remain in designated open areas and comply with all closures for both their own safety and the safety of the park. More information on closures at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are available here.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.
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