National Park Service taps into recreation fees to keep operations running

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the most popular visitor attraction in the state, announced Sunday that areas of the park will remain accessible to visitors despite the government shutdown.

The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history. Due to the absence of appropriations, some park attractions have been closed, and some park services, including emergency and rescue, have been limited.

National Park Service officials said they determined they may use Federal Land and Recreation Enhancement funds to have park maintenance crews clean restrooms, remove trash and complete health and safety operations.

Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association also are continuing to provide donations to keep the Kilauea Visitor Center open. Officials said “entrance stations will be open to provide safety and information protection messages to arriving visitors, but entrance fees and camping fees will not be collected.”

Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said in a release, “We greatly appreciate the generous contributions of park partners, especially Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i 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.”

Basic park visitor services continue, but special events, ranger talks and programs are limited. Chain of Craters Road, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, all backcountry areas and Kahuku remain closed.

The latest updates are available at nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

Accessible areas include:

>> Kilauea Visitor Center (KVC), exhibits, picnic tables and restrooms.

>> The Hawaiii 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 Halemaumau near Keanakakoi (pedestrians and 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 at Kipukapuaulu).

>> Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout (pedestrians and bicyclists only).

>> Kipukapuaulu day use picnic area.

>> Kipukapuaulu and trail.

>> Kau Desert Trail to the new “Footprints” exhibit.

>> Escape Road from Highway 11 to Crater Rim Drive (no vehicles).

>> Namakanipaio Campground.