The 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano cut off road access to the Mauna Loa Baseline Observatory. Construction on the temporary Mauna Loa Access road was completed on 26 March, 2026.
At this time, there is no site access for the general public to the Mauna Loa Observatory and NOAA has not yet established a public opening date. GML and scientific partners are working together to bring mission critical scientific projects back online. It is still unclear when utility infrastructure will be replaced and power re-established to the site.
We will provide another update as more information becomes available.
Media contact: Theo Stein at (303) 819-7409 or theo.stein@noaa.gov.
Organization(s):
National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office
What does this program measure?
The Max/Min Temperature Unit records 24 hour Maximum/Minimum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. The Standard Rain gauge records 24 hour rainfall in hundreds of an inch.
How does this program work?
The data is measured manually by MLO personnel and and relayed to the Honolulu Forecast office by telephone through the ROSA system.
- A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 5 times per week at MLO.
- A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 1 time per week at Kulani Mauka.
- A rain gauge and tipping bucket are measured continuously at MLO.
Why is this research important?
The temperature and rainfall data are transmitted daily via telephone to the Honolulu Forecast office through a network called PRONET which is entered in the AWIPS computer bank to be used as a forecasting aid.
Are there any trends in the data?
The data are used by the Forecast Office as a guide in updating their forecast. The data are mainly used as “real time” data.
How does this program fit into the big picture?
What is it's role in global climate change?
Same as above.
Comments and References
Lead Investigator(s):
Wilfred Laplante
808-933-6938
MLO Contact(s):
David Nardini
808-933-6965 (x229)
Paul Fukumura
808-933-6965 (x223)
Web Site(s)
Date Started
December 23, 1998
Related Programs
NWS Max Min Temperature
Meteorology
Photographs:
