Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is set for significant changes aimed at enhancing safety and the visitor experience. On March 4, preparations for a new traffic roundabout at the park’s entrance began.
“We want the community and visitors to be prepared for the changes, which will eventually make it safer to enter and explore the park. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh said in a press release.
This initiative is part of an effort to improve traffic safety, which includes realigning Crater Rim Drive and introducing an administrative lane at the entrance station. To facilitate the said upgrades, 33 parking stalls east of Kīlauea Visitor Center are now fenced off, serving as a staging area for the project and reducing available parking.
The project will necessitate the removal of some forest sections near the entrance. The park’s natural resources team is propagating ʻōhiʻa and other native plants for replanting post-construction. Consultations with kūpuna (elders) have been conducted to ensure the process respects local traditions and minimizes forest loss. Additionally, strict protocols are in place to prevent the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa death and invasive species by construction workers.
These efforts are part of the National Park Service’s Disaster Recovery Project, initiated in response to the 2018 eruption and subsequent collapse of Kīlauea volcano’s summit. The project, which has undergone extensive civic engagement, public scoping, and environmental assessment, received a Finding of No Significant Impact in December 2022.
Visitors to the park should anticipate parking limitations, potential entrance delays, and possible temporary area closures. The construction also affects parking at Uēkahuna, with half of the lot designated for the project.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities set against the backdrop of the park’s breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
For more information about the park’s construction closures, click here.