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Area Closure Information

Temporary road and area closure information:
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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

 
 
World Heritage Site - UNESCO logo

Hawai'i's Only World Heritage Site

In recognition of its outstanding values, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve (1980) and Hawai'i's only World Heritage Site (1987).
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Nene family. Mother, gosling, and father. NPS photo by Kathleen Misajon

Nature and Science

Created to preserve the natural setting of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the park is also a refuge for the islands native plants and animals and a link to its human past. Park managers work to protect the resources and promote understanding and appreciation of the park by visitors.  Hawksbill Turtle Project
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Hula dancers from Halau o Kekuhi perform at the annual cultural festival.

History and Culture

Superb voyagers, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands migrated to Hawai`i over 1,600 years ago. Navigating by the sun and stars, reading the winds, currents, and the flight of seabirds, Polynesians sailed across 2,400 miles of open ocean in great double-hulled canoes. They brought with them items essential to their survival and a distinct culture.
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Write to

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718-0052

Phone

Visitor Information
(808) 985-6000

Fax

(808) 985-6004

Climate

Island weather is unpredictable. Visitors should be prepared for rain and wear layers of clothing to ensure their comfort while exploring the park.

Temperature varies by elevation. Weather at Kilauea's summit (4000' elevation) varies daily and may be rainy and chilly any time of the year. At the summit of the volcano, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sealevel. The coastal plain at the end of Chain of Craters Road, where lava is entering the ocean, is often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.

Be prepared for all weather conditions. Wear layers of clothing, bring raingear, and wear hiking boots or shoes if you plan to venture out on trails.
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Communities Surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Volcano, HI (4 min. ) Pop. 2,231
Mountain View, HI (16 min. ) Pop. 2,799
Kurtistown, HI (23 min. ) Pop. 1,157
Keaau, HI (28 min. ) Pop. 2,010
Hilo, HI (38 min. ) Pop. 40,759
Pahoa, HI (43 min. ) Pop. 962
Papaikou, HI (44 min. ) Pop. 1,414
 Pahala, HI (46 min. ) Pop. 1,378
Pepeekeo, HI (48 min. ) Pop. 1,697
Ninole, HI (52 min. )
Honomu, HI (53 min. ) Pop. 541
Hakalau, HI (54 min. )
Naalehu, HI (1 hr.  0 min. ) Pop. 919