As a new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano draws more visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the park has released the following safety precautions:
- Maintain social distance of six feet from others and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, please visit another day.
- Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous and change at any time. Stay on marked trails and overlooks, and avoid earth cracks and cliff edges. Do not enter closed areas.
- Hazardous volcanic gases are billowing out the crater and present a danger to everyone, especially people with heart or respiratory problems, infants, young children and pregnant women.
- Slow down and drive safely. Expect long waits for parking spaces at popular vantage points like Uēkahuna (formerly the Jaggar Museum).
- At 1,219 meters, (4,000 feet), the summit of Kīlauea can be chilly at any time. Bring a rain jacket, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring a flashlight if visiting at night.
- Eruption status updates, live web cams, and planning tips are available on the park website.
In a press release Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh said, “Viewing lava at the summit of Kīlauea is awe-inspiring. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we ask the public to recreate responsibly, maintain social distance and to wear a mask. We want to keep the park open for all to experience this new phase of volcanic activity, but we can only do so if visitors follow guidelines that keep everyone safe. We continue to work with USGS scientists to receive the latest volcanic updates, and remind visitors that the eruptive activity and accessibility could change at any time.”
The park remains open 24 hours a day. All park areas that were open prior to this new eruption remain open. Vantage points for viewing the new eruption include Uēkahuna (former Jaggar Museum parking), Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), Kīlauea Overlook, Keanakākoʻi, Kupinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) and other overlooks along Crater Rim Trail.