Volcanoes Park Offering Free Entry for Veterans Day Weekend

Some of the veteran staff and volunteers at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park stand on the northeast rim of Kīlauea caldera, behind Volcano House. From left to right, Chantel Weaver (Army National Guard); Lindsay Barclay (Air Force); Rob Ely (Navy); Diana Miller (Air Force); Paul Field (Army); Renee Richardson (Air Force); Donny Pham (Army); Tom Lemmer (Navy) and Jack Corrao (Navy). Photo: NPS/Janice Wei.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) will join parks across the country in waiving entrance fees on Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12, for Veterans Day weekend.

“We invite everyone to honor the men and woman who have served our country by experiencing the American heritage at your national parks,” said Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Active duty U.S. military are invited to enjoy national parks year-round at no charge, and can obtain a free annual military pass at the park’s entrance station. For more information, visit the park’s website.

Open 24 hours a day, HVNP offers more than 155 miles of hiking trails, breathtaking scenery, and many opportunities to appreciate the volcanic landscapes, native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture that define the area.

The park also has a strong military connection with dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. It is home to Kīlauea Military Camp, a 62-acre rest and recreation area where active duty and retired members of the U.S. military have stayed since 1916.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of nine national park units in Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in Kona, and Haleakalā National Park on Maui are also fee-free during Veterans Day weekend. Other national parks in the state do not charge entrance fees.