Transforming Kīlauea: A New Era for Hawaiʻi's Volcanic Landscape
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, home to the majestic Kīlauea Volcano, has embarked on a major construction project that promises to reshape the summit's landscape, enhancing both safety and the visitor experience. This initiative, set against the backdrop of Kīlauea's serene beauty and raw power, signals a significant evolution for one of Hawaiʻi's most revered natural wonders.
The park has seen the commencement of an ambitious effort to repair, upgrade, or remove infrastructure damaged by the 2018 eruption that captivated the world. This includes the dismantling of the Jaggar Museum and the former US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory buildings, structures that once stood as sentinels over the volatile yet mesmerizing volcanic activity below.
In a move to improve visitor access and safety, Crater Rim Drive is undergoing a transformation, including the addition of a roundabout and an administrative lane aimed at easing the flow of traffic into this popular destination. With a 600-day timeline for the first phase, park officials are preparing for reduced parking, potential entrance delays, and temporary closures, particularly if the volcano decides to awaken once again during the construction phase.
Rhonda Loh, the park's superintendent, has called for patience and understanding during this period of change, thanking the community and visitors for their support. As part of the project, the park aims to return Uēkahuna, considered sacred by Native Hawaiians, to a more natural state. This plan involves removing the damaged buildings but keeping the observation deck open, offering minimal interpretive displays to ensure the breathtaking views remain unobstructed.
This restoration and improvement project follows a comprehensive planning process, including public engagement and environmental assessment, in the wake of the 2018 disaster that reshaped the Kīlauea summit and caused extensive damage to park facilities. The park was closed for 134 days as magma drained from the chamber beneath Halema‘uma‘u crater, leading to a dramatic collapse and a series of earthquakes and ash clouds.
In addition to the summit's reconstruction, a new USGS HVO field station is rising near the historic ballfield at Kilauea Military Camp, incorporating materials from the original observatory to preserve its legacy. With the second phase focusing on the Kīlauea Visitor Center's rehabilitation, set to begin by Fall 2024, the future looks bright for this iconic landmark.
As Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park undergoes this monumental transformation, visitors are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead. This period of renewal not only marks a new chapter in the park's history but also reinforces its status as a must-visit destination for those captivated by the power and beauty of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena.