HILO — Two attractions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are expected to be reopened to the public the same day the national park returns to service later this month.
The Volcano House hotel and Kilauea Military Camp, both located within the grounds of the national park, are planned to reopen on Sept. 22, nearly four months since their closure due to Kilauea volcano’s increased seismic activity.
However, in the same way that the park’s reopening will be limited to certain areas, certain amenities at the attractions will be unavailable.
“There’s no potable water here,” said Volcano House general manager Orin McCann.
Because the hotel uses the same water system as the national park, earthquake damage has cut off drinkable water throughout the park, meaning the hotel will not accept guests nor will its kitchen be open.
Despite this, McCann said parts of the hotel — the hotel’s meditation room, its gift shop, its observation area — will remain open to park visitors, who McCann said will likely be escorted in groups throughout the park by park rangers.
McCann said the hotel also will likely include a “grab and go” dining option offering bottled beverages and food brought from outside the park.
The Kilauea Military Camp, on the other hand, uses a different water system than Volcano House, and will therefore have full water services for all guests.
KMC deputy director Bruce Taylor said all facilities at KMC will be open on Sept. 22, although because of the partial closure of the park, some aspects of the camp — such as certain menu items or services — will not be available.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com
