After 7 Years, Hawaii’s Most Spectacular Volcano View Is Back
The observation deck at Kīlauea volcano’s summit has reopened to visitors in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The popular viewing area offers wide views of the caldera and had been closed since May 2018.
The closure followed two major earthquakes, a devastating eruption, and summit collapse that caused thousands of smaller earthquakes over four months. The seismic activity severely damaged several structures in the area.
The park’s historic Jaggar Museum and two buildings used by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory were so badly damaged they had to be removed, writes KHON2. Demolition work began in April 2024 and has now been completed.
Historic stone walls
While the buildings are gone, the observation deck and historic stone walls have been repaired. The walls had been crumbling and full of cracks from the 2018 earthquakes.
“We are delighted to welcome everyone back to Uēkahuna,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “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.”
Stunning significant location
Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane expressed enthusiasm about the reopening: “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.”
“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.”
Several improvements
The restored area includes several improvements. A new path connects the observation deck to the Crater Rim Trail along the caldera rim. Native shrubs, grasses, and trees have been planted near the viewing area. Park officials have restored a historic stone bench and added new benches designed to match the original style.
An outline marking where the former Jaggar Museum stood includes stones from the original building columns as a memorial to the historic structure.
Visitors are required to stay behind stone walls and post-and-cable barriers at the viewing area and along other parts of the caldera rim for safety reasons.
