29-05-2025
Kīlauea summit viewing area reopens in Hawaiʻi National Park
HAWAIʻI NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi (KHON2) — An observation deck at Kīlauea volcano's summit that provides panoramic views of the caldera has reopened in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Kīlauea's eruptions uncover secrets of volcanic activity
The area has been closed since May 2018, following two large earthquakes, a catastrophic eruption and summit collapse that triggered thousands of smaller earthquakes over a four-month period.
The park's historic Jaggar Museum and two buildings used by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory were badly damaged and removed. Deconstruction began in April 2024 and is now complete.
Although the buildings are gone, the observation deck and historic stone walls, once crumbling and riddled with fractures from the 2018 earthquakes, are repaired.
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An outline of the former Jaggar Museum footprint includes stones from the original columns to commemorate the historic building.
'We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Uēkahuna,' Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh said. 'We deeply appreciate how understanding the community and park visitors have been during the construction process, and mahalo those who provided feedback on the options.'
A new path now connects the observation deck to Crater Rim Trail along the rim of the caldera, and the area is replanted with native shrubs, grasses and trees near the observation deck.
A historic stone bench was restored, and several new benches that replicate the historic look have been added.
'We are so excited to have Uēkahuna and observation reopened again, it's not just because there's more parking over there. It is such a stunning significant location in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during this last eruption episode 23 when we have huge high fountains on Sunday,' said Jessica Ferracane. 'People could actually feel the heat from the fountains there. It was warm, not real hot, but it was you could definitely feel the warmth over there. I mean it has been closed for the last seven years so we're super excited to have Uēkahuna open again.'
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Visitors are urged to stay behind the stone walls and post-and-cable barriers at Uēkahuna and elsewhere along the caldera rim for their safety.
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