December 2024 events & updates at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

News Release Date:
November 12, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - The holidays are right around the corner, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's surge in visitation is too! Expect crowds, traffic and full parking lots at popular locations daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan ahead, arrive early and make the most of your visit in December with these events and updates. Photos available for download.

Construction Updates

Kīlauea Visitor Center Closure Update. Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC), restrooms, and most adjacent parking will close for renovation January 5, 2025. After Dark in the Park, Nā Leo Manu and other park programs held in the KVC auditiorium are temporarily suspended. During the closure, the interior of KVC will be rehabilitated, new exhibits will be installed, the restrooms will be relocated and rebuilt, and the lānai will be replaced by an expanded covered hālau (pavilion). Where can you find a park ranger? Limited visitor services and the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will relocate 1.2 miles west to a welcome center at Kilauea Military Camp's Koa Room, adjacent to the lobby. Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open with parking available. Hele-On bus will still use the KVC bus parking stalls as a bus stop.
When: KVC closes at 5 p.m. on January 5, 2025
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center, restrooms and parking

Construction Continues in the Park through the "Holiday Rush." Visitors should always plan ahead before coming to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, especially from mid-December through mid-January. Multiple ongoing construction projects continue near the park entrance, at Sulphur Banks Trail, Uēkahuna, Mauna Loa Road and other areas. Surges in visitation occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; arrive early to avoid congestion and frustration. Bookmark this webpage for updates: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/construction-closures.htm.

Events

All events are free, but park entrance fees apply. Some programs are sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park calendar for more information.

Holidays at Kahuku. The Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's presents the fifth annual Holidays at Kahuku celebration. This family-friendly holiday festival includes local handmade crafts and onolicious food for sale, great live music, and free shave ice minis! Keiki will love free face painting and a visit from Santa. A lively lineup of musical performances include the Kīpapa Sisters, Hot Potaytahs and the Southside Symphony. Food vendors include the Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, 4 Scoops of Aloha, and more. Free!
When: Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit, at the 70.5 mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū

Kahuku Forest Birds. Retired park ranger and avid birder Jay "Jaybird" Robinson will talk story about the native birds of Kahuku from ma kai (ocean) to ma uka (mountain), covering the seabirds, shorebirds, a few wetland and shrubland species and of course, the forest birds. Part of the Kahuku Coffee Talk Saturday series.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Hana Hou! Nani O Kahuku Returns. This original living history play is a loving and informative remembrance of Kahuku Ranch in the 1870s. The play is taken from the memoir of Hannah Piʻilani Jones (daughter of George Jones, the second owner of the ranch), staged by Jackie Pualani Johnson (professor emerita of the theatre arts program at UH Hilo), and brought to life by talented actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua. Bring your friends and family to Kahuku for a memorable post-holiday performance!
When: Saturday, December 28 from 11 a.m. to noonish
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Input Needed on the Kahuku Site Management Plan. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park seeks community input as it develops a plan to manage 132,000-plus acres in the Kahuku Unit. Review the project Story Map online for ideas that balance protection of natural and cultural resources with visitor access and recreation in Upper and Lower Kahuku and Kahuku-Pōhue. Park managers will host a virtual talk-story December 3; the comment period closes December 6 at 8:59 p.m. HST.
When: Virtual Talk Story is Tuesday, December 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:https://swca.zoom.us/j/91799290126

Volcano Art Center Hula Arts. The Volcano Art Center presents authentic hula kāhiko performances through its ongoing Hula Arts at Kīlauea program. Performances occur the second Saturday of each month through 2024 and are sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and/or Hawai'i Tourism Authority. Hālau Hula o Manaʻolana o Kohala under the direction of Kumu Hula Manaʻolana (Hope) Keawe performs this month. Bring sun/rain gear and a sitting mat. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
When: Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early, parking is limited at the visitor center. Additional parking available at Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents).
Where: Kahua Hula (hula platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery and Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Ranger-Guided Programs at Kīlauea Summit. Did you know that Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers free guided programs nearly every day? Experience Life on the Edge, Into the Volcano and other ranger treks by checking the park calendar for dates, times and descriptions.
When: Almost daily
Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea summit

Volunteer Opportunities

Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details.
When: December 7, 14 & 21. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above.

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