Parts of HVNP to remain open during shutdown

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announced Sunday in a release that areas of the park will continue to be accessible to visitors. Some services, including restroom cleaning, trash collection and the opening of entrance stations, will now be available by using revenue generated by recreation fees.

Areas accessible to park visitors include Kilauea Visitor Center and exhibits, picnic tables, and restrooms; the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store in KVC; Crater Rim Drive from the park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp; Crater Rim Drive from the park entrance to the intersection at Devastation Trail Parking Lot; Crater Rim Drive to viewpoints of Halema‘uma‘u near Keanakako‘i (pedestrians/bicyclists only); Crater Rim Trail between Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp; Volcano House lodging, gift stores and restaurants; Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano Art Center Gallery; Steam Vents and Sulphur Banks; Mauna Loa Road to Kipukapuaulu (vehicles not permitted past the gate); Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout (pedestrians/bicyclists only); Kipukapuaulu day use picnic area and trail; Ka‘u Desert Trail to the new Footprints exhibit; Escape Road from Highway 11 to Crater Rim Drive (vehicles not permitted) and Namakanipaio Campground.

The rest of the park will be closed, including Chain of Craters Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, all backcountry areas and Kahuku.

National Park Service officials have determined that by using Federal Land and Recreation Enhancement funds the park will be able to continue providing accessibility to the park for visitors.

Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association continue to provide donations to keep the Kilauea Visitor Center open. Entrance stations will be open to provide information, but entrance fees and camping fees will not be collected.

“We greatly appreciate the generous contributions of park partners, especially Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company, Volcano Art Center, and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association who have provided tens of thousands of dollars in financial and in-kind donations during the lapse in appropriations,” said park superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Additional information is available at nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes. For updates on the shutdown, visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.