Twenty-five years ago, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest treasures, and was designated a World Heritage Site for having “superlative attributes of universal value important to the common heritage of humanity.”
Twenty-five years ago, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest treasures, and was designated a World Heritage Site for having “superlative attributes of universal value important to the common heritage of humanity.”
Today, there are 21 World Heritage Sites in the United States, including two in Hawaii — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument — and 962 sites worldwide.
To commemorate the silver anniversary of its World Heritage Site status, and the 40th anniversary of the international World Heritage Convention, the park is offering two events
The first is a World Heritage “After Dark in the Park” presentation which will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium. Join National Geographic Traveler editor Jonathan Tourtellot for an overview of World Heritage Sites, how World Heritage grows jobs, four common myths about World Heritage and America’s position in the global quest for World Heritage sites. No registration required.
The event is part of HVNP’s ongoing “After Dark in the Park” series. Free (but park entrance fees apply).
The second is a World Heritage Anniversary Roundtable from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast. The park, Big Island Visitors Bureau, and The Fairmont Orchid invite guests to a destination roundtable with National Geographic Traveler editor Jonathan Tourtellot, HVNP staff, and travel industry leaders. Learn why having a World Heritage Site on Hawaii Island is important, what it means to the organization and outreach efforts. Free admission and free parking at the Fairmont Orchid; RSVP online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4450461450/eorg, or contact Jessica Ferracane at 808-985-6018 or via email, jessica_ferracane@nps.gov.