For the next month, visitors should cross Diamond Head State Monument off their to-do list as the historic summit trail closes starting today for maintenance.

The trail will reopen Nov. 20 after maintenance of the slopes and rock scaling to remove potential rockfall hazards are complete.

Diamond Head, one of the state's main visitor attractions, draws more than 600,000 residents and visitors each year. But with the number of visitors increasing each year and the effects of natural erosion, the condition of the trails has deteriorated, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The state will be spending $2.7 million on rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization.

"It's a matter of public safety," said Michele Matson, a member of the Diamond Head Citizens' Advisory Committee. "We don't want a serious hazard. The trail system has been eroding for years and nothing has been done."

The work is in addition to $4.4 million on the design and construction of trail system improvements, as one of many projects the state DLNR has undertaken since 2005 in its attempt to boost the condition of state parks. Work on this phase should begin in February and be completed by 2010.

The work includes stabilizing hillsides and slopes, improving narrow corridors and trails that have deteriorated, and installing safer stairways and wider walkways at the Winch and Summit lookouts.

During the monthlong project, the public will have access to the crater, parking lot, restrooms and information booth area. The entire park will be closed, however, Nov. 13 to 20 when work begins on rock scaling above the Kahala Tunnel, which serves as the main entrance into the monument.

Visitors are being told of the closure at hotels, taxis, bus and rental-car companies. Notices will be posted at the park entrance and fliers will be distributed to frequent park users.

For more information, call the Division of State Parks at 587-0300 or visit www.hawaiistateparks.org.