News Release
NPS Photo/J.Wei
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Contact: HAVO Public Affairs, 808-985-6018
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – As the holidays approach and Kīlauea nears its next eruption, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers offer these tips to keep everyone safe:• Expect crowds at Kīlauea summit. Visitation soars during the holidays and skyrockets during eruptions. Heavy traffic is the norm. Slow down, drive safely and heed rangers directing traffic.
• Stay on trail, out of closed areas and away from cliff edges. Keep children close!
• Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovation, but rangers, information, parking and the park store are at the Welcome Center, just one mile past the park entrance on Crater Rim Drive East. Open daily (including Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Plan Ahead. Make the park website your first stop. Find eruption viewing tips, air quality information, safety alerts, things to do, hikes, drives and more.
• Don’t Get Lost. Explore the park like a ranger and download the National Park Service App and interactive map - free on the App Store and Google Play. Download for offline use; some areas have no cell reception.
• Have a Plan B. If an area is too crowded, go to a less-visited part of the park and try again later. Watch this 5-minute video for advice on where to go.
• Protect Nēnē. It is nēnē breeding season. Watch out for the native goose on roadsides and in parking areas. Never feed nēnē and keep your distance.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park rangers want visitors to have a safe and memorable adventure this holiday season. Safety is our top priority, but it is your responsibility.
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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: December 19, 2025