After close call with toddler, park implores visitors: Keep keiki close, stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges

A shocking scene unfolded as families watched lava glow within Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, at sunset on Christmas Day in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

A toddler wandered away from his family into a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kīlauea Overlook, running directly toward the 400-foot cliff edge.

His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time, just a foot or so from a fatal fall.

Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed together, but in a matter of a split second their “Christmas to remember” could have tranformed from the most wonderful time of year to the worst moment of their lives.

Park rangers remind visitors to keep their children close, stay on trail and stay out of closed areas, especially when watching Kīlauea from viewpoints along Crater Rim Trail.

Those who ignore warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones and sneak into closed areas do so at great risk.

“The hazards that coincide with an eruption are dangerous, and we have safety measures in place including closed areas, barriers, closure signs and traffic management,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “Your safety is our utmost concern, but we rely on everyone to recreate responsibility. National parks showcase nature’s splendor but they are not playgrounds.”

In addition to steep unstable cliff edges and hazardous terrain, which are often hidden in the dark of night, other dangers escalate during increased visitation associated with eruptions.

Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for pedestrians and nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, and drive with aloha.

Remember to also switch to low beams when other cars and pedestrians are present.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption that began Dec. 23 remains paused. However, it could restart at any time, and toxic gas emissions are still high.

Glassy volcanic particulates, called tephra, also blanket the closed portion of Crater Rim Drive downwind of the lava fountains that were active during the past few days.

Visitors should check the air qu­­­­ality before and during their visit to the park.

People with respiratory or heart issues along with keiki and pregnant women are especially sensitive to volcanic gas, which includes sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.

Click here for eruption viewing safety tips while visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.