The Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park could close as early as this September for renovations and expansion.
The project contract is expected to go out for bid in July, and if awarded, construction could begin in September. Once awarded, the contract is expected to take up to two years to complete.
What this means for visitors is the complete closure of Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC), including the restrooms, water station, and sidewalks around the building. Visitors should expect limited parking at KVC, along Crater Rim Drive West and reduced services.
Once KVC closes, programs such as After Dark in the Park and Nā Leo Manu will be suspended Limited visitor services and the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will relocate to a temporary visitor contact station adjacent to the historic ball field near Kilauea Military Camp.
Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open during the project.
Park managers will share details of the renovation and expansion at an After Dark in the Park program on August 20 in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
Renovations planned for Kīlauea Visitor Center include:
- The addition of a covered pavilion on the western end of the building
- Restrooms relocated to the eastern end of the building
- Full accessibility
- The interior will be expanded by converting office space into visitor-use space
- The Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will shift into a larger interior space
- New bilingual exhibits in English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Although September is the soonest the visitor center would close, a delayed start date is possible. The park will continue to notify the public through news releases, social media and its website.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park