Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues to increase community access in phases. Entrance fees have resumed, and most of the park is now open for outdoor enjoyment and exercise, including overnight camping in the backcountry.
The following areas remain closed for your safety:
- Kīlauea Visitor Center. Lānai and restrooms are open.
- Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), east parking lot, and bathrooms
- All Volcano House services, including Nāmakanipaio Campground
- The Kahuku Unit is closed Monday through Wednesday, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Businesses in the park that meet local and federal public health requirements will also reopen with limited services, including Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano Art Center Gallery and the park’s non-profit partner, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Contact the businesses directly for details.
Although ranger-guided hikes and programs are currently suspended, park rangers are available to answer your questions on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center on weekends, and weekdays via phone at 808-985-6011.
“Services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit including water, meals, and hand sanitizer. Above all, visitors should pack their patience, avoid crowds, and have alternate destinations planned should parking lots be full,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
Visitors are urged to recreate responsibly by planning their visit in advance and acting with care while in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park:
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and others.
- Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use your hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you feel sick, please visit another day.
- Let wildlife be wild. Do not feed nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, and look out for them on roadways and in parking lots.
The health and safety of park users, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. While these areas are accessible for the public to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services are limited. Park users should follow local area health orders from the Governor of Hawai‘i, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and other high-risk outdoor activities.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.