News Release

Update for March 20, 2020: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is modifying operations to implement latest health guidance

Social distancing can be a breeze in wide open outdoor spaces like Kīlauea Iki Trail

NPS Photo/J. Wei

News Release Date: March 20, 2020

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, Public Affairs Specialist, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, HAWAI‘I – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remains open, but is modifying operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. 

Temporary closures until further notice include: 

• All events and guided programs, including hikes, walks and talks, are canceled. 

• Kīlauea Visitor Center and the outdoor lānai are closed, but restrooms are open. 

• The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store is closed; online shopping is open. 

• Mauna Loa Summit Cabin and Red Hill Cabin are closed. 

• Volcano House hotel, restaurants and the Nāmakanipaio Campground are closed. 

• Kilauea Military Camp is open with reduced services for authorized patrons. Check website for details. 

• Volcano Art Center Gallery is closed. 

What’s open: 

• All previously open trails and overlooks are open for healthy outdoor recreational opportunities.

•  The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• Most of the backcountry is open for hiking and camping. Backcountry permits are being processed by phone, 808-985-6178. 

Commercial tours are limited to 10 people or less and guides must enforce social distancing procedures. All entrance fees, including commercial tour fees, are temporarily suspended until further  notice. 

Visit the park website for the latest information, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes. 

Although a community talk-story event scheduled for Thursday, March 19 to discuss potential future uses of Kīlauea volcano’s Great Crack area was postponed, the public is encouraged to submit comments via email to e-mail us, or in writing to Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718. 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.