Store, park services will remain accessible despite Kīlauea Visitor Center closure early next year

Park patrons will continue to have access to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park store and visitor services even while Kīlauea Visitor Center is shuttered for 2 years for renovations beginning next spring.

The construction and expansion project will close the visitor center as of Feb. 17, including restrooms, lānai and most of the parking lot.

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, a nonprofit partner supporting Hawaiʻi and American Samoa national parks, will move its park store 1.2 miles west to a welcome center in the Koa Room at Kīlauea Military Camp.

The store’s temporary location will open a few days after the Kīlauea Visitor Center closure.

“[Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association] is excited about the Kīlauea Visitor Center remodeling project, as we know the updated facilities will result in an expanded interpretive product line and an enhanced visitor experience,” said Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association Executive Director Mel Boehl. “Mahalo nui to Kīlauea Military Camp and National Park Service for their partnership in finding a good solution for a temporary visitor center and park store.”

The association has operated the store for 90 years at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, according to Boehl, and the use of the Koa Room alleviates any chances of interruption.

“Change, like the ever-evolving landscape of Kīlauea volcano, brings new opportunities,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Area Manager Al Galiza. “We are excited for the upcoming partnership with Kīlauea Military Camp and look forward to continuing to provide our visitors with memorable keepsakes of their time at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.”

All proceeds from store sales directly contribute to preservation, education and interpretation initiatives in the park.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will also operate visitor services from the Koa Room, and additional parking will be available at the ball field near Kīlauea Military Camp.

Visitors can continue to support Hawaiʻi national parks by visiting the temporary location or visiting the online store.

Upcoming renovations planned at Kīlauea Visitor Center include:    

• The addition of a covered hālau (pavilion) on the western end of the building.  
• Restrooms relocated to the eastern end of the building.  
• Full accessibility.  
• The interior will be expanded by converting office space into visitor-use space. 
• The Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will shift into a larger interior space. 
• New bilingual exhibits in English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).

Visitors should expect limited parking at the visitor center, along Crater Rim Drive West and reduced services.

Once closed, programs such as After Dark in the Park and Nā Leo Manu will be suspended until reopening.

Construction updates can be found here.