Firefighting crew on Big Island engage in combat against a 20-acre brush blaze on Mauna Kea
Hawaii island residents and visitors are receiving updates on a brush fire that started on the east slope of Mauna Kea, known as the Mana Road fire, which has now spread to about 26.4 acres burned and is 75% contained as of August 12, 2025.
Road Status:
Mana Road remains closed as fire crews continue operations, while Mauna Kea Access Road has been reopened to traffic. Initially, the Mauna Kea Visitor Center was closed due to the fire.
Fire Response:
A fire break was established around the fire perimeter by August 12. Firefighting efforts involve the Hawai‘i Fire Department, DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and personnel from Pōhakuloa Training Area, with helicopter water drops and perimeter wetting to prevent spread.
Causation:
No updates or assessments regarding the cause of the fire have been reported in the available reports.
As of the latest updates two days after the start on August 11, the fire is largely controlled but still actively monitored to ensure containment. Users can sign up for breaking news updates via email, which are free of charge and sent to their inbox.
The fire was initially reported on the east slope of Mauna Kea off of Mana Road. On Monday evening, Mauna Kea Access Road and Mana Road were closed, along with the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. No injuries have been reported.
As of 7 a.m., Mauna Kea Access Road has been reopened, but Mana Road remains closed. No evacuations have been issued. The updates are provided as they happen. Stay tuned for more information.
- To assist in managing the Mana Road fire, a team of experts from various fields, including environmental science, is collaborating to inspect the impact of the blaze on local flora and fauna, as well as predict possible changes in the island's weather patterns.
- Despite the progress made in containing the Mana Road fire, concerned residents are encouraged to disseminate awareness about the importance of responsible use of resources, such as recycling and conserving water, in order to maintain a balanced environment and minimize the risks of future forest fires.
