NPS - National Park Service

11/30/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/30/2021 17:20

Avoid the Holiday Rush!

News Release Date:
November 30, 2021

Contact:Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi -- It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but when parking lots are full and visitors bump into each other on trails and overlooks, the holiday spirit can take a dive. This season, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wants to help you plan like a park ranger with five insightful tips to help you navigate the festive season:
1. Plan ahead. Explore the park website www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes before you arrive. It's like a stocking stuffed with your favorite things: eruption updates, where to see lava, what to bring, day hikes, directions, how to dress and more. It's there to help you prepare.
2. Download the free app. The NPS has a free app with tools to explore more than 400 national parks across the country, and the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes app is sweet like a candy cane. Self-guided tours, alerts and other valuable information is like having a ranger in your pocket. You can even send a postcard without a stamp right from your phone! Download the app in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
3. Be flexible. Have a Plan B. The current eruption at the summit of Kīlauea began September 29 and is showing no signs of taking time off for the holidays. The lava lake is a powerful and popular sight to behold. Avoid the peak times of sunrise and sunset and arrive at an unconventional time, like 4 a.m., or after 8 p.m. If there is no parking, visit another area in the park and try again later. Your park is open 24 hours a day.
4. Be respectful. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are cherished by many people, including kānaka maʻoli (Native Hawaiians). Consider others before you take photos, and use your indoor voice when sharing overlooks with others. Listen for rumbling lava, the singing forest birds and the wind through the trees.
5. Stay safe and recreate responsibly. Erupting volcanoes can be dangerous and activity can change at any time. Volcanic gas, sinkholes, steep unstable cliff edges and earth cracks all present hazards. Stay on trail and do not enter closed areas. Maintain social distance of six feet fro others and wear a maskto reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, visit another day. Masks are required in all park buildings and several overlooks.
With planning and flexibility, the first-time visitor or the long-time resident can have a meaningful and memorable visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this holiday season. Please recreate responsibly, respect wildlife and each other, and wear a mask when in crowded outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.

-NPS-