Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at 10 a.m., which is National Public Lands Day.
Park visitors should anticipate heavy traffic, long lines, delays and one-third fewer parking spaces when visiting the park.
HVNP courtesy photo
Most of the park has been closed to visitors since Friday, May 11, 2018, due to hazardous volcanic and seismic activity at the summit of Kīlauea.
Sept. 22 is National Public Lands Day, a fee-free day, so entrance fees will not be charged. Entrance fees will go into effect on Sunday, Sept. 23.
HVNP courtesy photo
“We are thrilled to welcome our public back and share the incredible changes that have taken place,” said HVNP Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We ask that you stay alert to these profound changes while enjoying your park and its resources.”
Kīlauea Visitor Center. Courtesy photo
Before the closure, the park averaged 5,500 visitors per day and many parking lots were often full by 10 a.m.. Now, the available parking around the summit is reduced by one third. If a parking lot is full, visitors should seek parking at a different destination, such as Mauna Ulu or along the coast.
Vehicles parked outside of designated stalls are subject to citation and may be towed. There will be limited services and no potable water as the park returns to normal operations. Visitors should bring snacks, plenty of drinking water and a full tank of gas is also recommended.
Park officials ask visitors to use caution and drive with aloha.
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