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Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – The shortest month has plenty happening in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! Kīlauea Visitor Center closes for renovation, the first Artist in Residence of 2025 arrives, disaster recovery projects continue, and more.Mark your calendars for these dates:
Construction Updates
Kīlauea Visitor Center Renovation. Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC), its restrooms, sidewalks, water station and most adjacent parking will close for renovation Monday, February 17, 2025 at 5 p.m. This recent news release outlines how the closure will affect visitors and where to find services. Hele-On Bus will still use the KVC bus parking stalls as a bus stop; Volcano House hotel and Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open.
When: KVC will close Monday, February 17 for up to two years (subject to change)
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center, restrooms and most parking
Got Water? Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park need to plan ahead and bring plenty of their own drinking water starting February 17, 2025 at 5 p.m. when the temporary closure for the renovation of Kīlauea Visitor Center begins. The water station at KVC will be unavailable during the closure. Water is available for purchase at Volcano House.
Construction Continues. Multiple ongoing construction projects related to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption Disaster Recovery Project continue near the park entrance, Kīlauea Visitor Center, Uēkahuna, and other areas. Bookmark this webpage for updates.
Park 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.
Kahuku Kōnane Challenge. Let the paʻani (games) begin! Kōnane is a Hawaiian game from ka wā kahiko (the old days). Fun to play, with or without experience. The Kahuku Kōnane Challenge is a chance to learn the history of the game and how to play it. Players will compete in elimination rounds until there is a winner. Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association will provide prizes. Reservations required. Email e-mail us to reserve a place at the kōnane board.
When: Saturday, February 1 starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū.
Taiko! You can learn about a culture through its language, its food, its traditional dress, and its drumming. Drums are found in nearly every culture in the world and they often have ceremonial, sacred, and symbolic associations. Taiko instructor Paul Sakamoto and his students will demonstrate and talk about taiko drumming. Learn about the posture and movement (kata) associated with taiko, the different types of drums (taiko), the sticks (bachi) used to strike the drum, the traditional clothing, and the different rhythms and strikes during this amazing performance! No reservations required.
When: Saturday, February 8 starting at 10 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū.
Date change! Umi-a-Liloa with Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft. Umi-a-Liloa was a ruling chief of the island of Hawaiʻi in the 15th and 16th centuries C.E. The oral traditions of Umi-a-Liloa share the lives of the Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) from that era. From the kapu system to the implements and emblems we associate with aliʻi, Umi-a-Liloa left a mark through his adventures and accomplishments, and in the legacy handed down through generations. Conall Kahakaʻioikamālie Ravenscraft lives in the ahupuaʻa of Onouli in South Kona. He is dedicated to perpetuating the traditions of his ancestors through ‘oihana of kālai kiʻi (sculpture), moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy), moʻoʻōlelo (story-telling), as well as mālama ‘iwi kupuna (traditional burial practices). Reservations required, email e-mail us
When: Saturday, March 8 at 9:30 am. (rescheduled)
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū.
Visual Storytelling Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Andrés Vera Martínez. Andrés Vera Martínez, an author, illustrator, and educator, is February’s Artist in Residence, the first of 2025! Andres will guide aspiring artists in crafting visual narratives inspired by the written word. He is currently illustrating a children’s book, Hawaiian Myths and Gods, written by University of Hawaiʻi Professor and Native Hawaiian Marie Alohalani Brown. The park’s Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No reservations required.
When: Saturday, February 22 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. Turn into Kahuku near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū.
Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. If giving back is part of your 2025 intentions, we have the perfect opportunity! 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: February 8, 15 & 22. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above.
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 and other ranger programs by checking the park calendar for dates, times and descriptions.
When: Almost daily
Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea summit
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Last updated: January 23, 2025