HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii — A renovation and expansion project for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center could begin as early as September if the project contract, which goes out to bid in July, is awarded in the same month.

What You Need To Know

  • The two-year project will completely close Kīlauea Visitor Center, including restrooms, water station and sidewalks around the building

  • Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store and limited visitor services will move to a temporary visitor contact station next to the historic ball field near Kīlauea Military Camp

  • Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open during the project

  • Details of the project will be shared at an After Dark in the Park program in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

Once awarded, the contract will take up to two years to complete, say park officials.

This will mean the complete closure of Kīlauea Visitor Center, including restrooms, water station and sidewalks around the building throughout the duration of the project. There will also be limited parking at the center, along Crater Rim Drive West, as well as reduced services. Once KVC closes, programs such as After Dark in the Park and Nā Leo Manu will be suspended until the center reopens.

The Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store and limited visitor services will move to a temporary visitor contact station next to the historic ball field near Kīlauea Military Camp.

Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open during the project.

Details of the project will be shared at an After Dark in the Park program in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

“As a result of the loss of Jaggar Museum due to the 2018 summit collapse of Kīlauea volcano, the existing Kīlauea Visitor Center is too small to meet the needs of current and future park visitors,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Lo in a news release. “The renovation of KVC will provide expanded outdoor and indoor spaces for new exhibits that convey the rich geology, biology and Hawaiian culture that define Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.”

Renovations to Kīlauea Visitor Center include:

  • Adding a covered hālau (pavilion) on the western end of the building
  • Relocating restrooms to the eastern end of the building
  • Full accessibility
  • Expanding the interior by converting office space into visitor-use space
  • Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store will have a larger interior space
  • Exhibits will be in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and English

Construction could begin as early as September, however, a delayed start date is possible. The public is encouraged to check the park website and social media channels for updates, as well as the park’s construction webpage.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.