The scattering of cremated human remains in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park should be planned as a small private affair, held away from high visitor use areas. You are welcome to hold your ceremony anywhere the general public may go, with the exception of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater as it is a sacred site to many Native Hawaiians. Several important conditions must be considered in your plans and are listed below.
An application for special use must be completed for your ceremony to be held in the park. Please email, mail, or fax (808) 967-8186 the completed form to Walt Poole at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718. A copy of the death certificate is required. A Special Use Permit may then be granted for the event.
Contact Walt Poole at (808) 985-6027, if you have any questions.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance fees will apply.
Special Use Permit Conditions for Scattering of Cremated Human Remains
- Scattering is not permitted at or in the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
- Scattering must take place in such a manner and in such a location that the ashes will not be located and identified as human remains.
- No memorials, plaques, photos, or flowers will be left in the park.
- The permittee recognizes and is aware of the sensitivity of this activity and agrees to perform it in a discreet and private manner.
- Established entrance fees are required and this permit does not waive those fees.
- All instructions by National Park Service personnel must be followed.
- All local, state, and federal rules and regulations must be followed.
- Violation of the terms and conditions of the permit may result in the immediate revocation of the permit and/or other law enforcement action.
