News Release

Park implores visitors to keep children close, stay out of closed areas and away from cliff edges

Dangers escalate with volcanic eruptions

View of eruption in pause from Kīlauea Overlook on 12.25.24

NPS Photo/D.Miller

News Release Date: December 26, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – As families watched lava glow within Kaluapele at sunset last night, a shocking scene unfolded in a closed area beyond the post-and-cable barrier at Kīlauea Overlook. 

A toddler wandered off from his family and in a split second, ran straight toward the 400-foot cliff edge. His mother, screaming, managed to grab him in the nick of time just a foot or so away from a fatal fall. Disaster was averted, and the shaken family departed. A Christmas to remember?  

Park rangers remind visitors to stay on trail, stay out of closed areas and to keep their children close, especially when watching Kīlauea from viewpoints along Crater Rim Trail. Those who ignore the warnings, walk past closure signs, lose track of loved ones, and sneak into closed areas to get a closer look do so at great risk.   

“The hazards that coincide with an eruption are dangerous, and we have safety measures in place including closed areas, barriers, closure signs, and traffic management,” said Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “Your safety is our utmost concern, but we rely on everyone to recreate responsibility. National parks showcase nature’s splendor but they are not playgrounds.” 

In addition to steep unstable cliff edges and hazardous terrain, often hidden at night, other dangers escalate during increased visitation associated with eruptions. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for pedestrians and nēnē (the Hawaiian goose), and to drive with aloha. Remember to switch to low beams when other cars and pedestrians are present. 

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption that began December 23 has entered its second pause. However, the eruption could restart at any time, and toxic gas emissions are still high. Glassy volcanic particulates, called tephra, blanket the closed portion of Crater Rim Drive downwind of the lava fountains that were active over the last few days. 

Visitors should check the air quality before and during their visit. People with respiratory or heart issues and pregnant women and children are especially sensitive to volcanic gas, which includes sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.

Safety tips for eruption viewing are posted to the park website. 

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