Christine Hitt
Kilauea volcano continues to erupt in episodes -- it just completed No. 31 -- and construction of the visitor center is still ongoing. There are a few updates to know for September, including some free events.
The temporary Welcome Center, open from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., is still relocated to Kilauea Military Camp as the visitor center is closed while under construction. The observation deck at Uekahuna (where the Jaggar Museum once was) is now open, as the park has completed removing buildings damaged in the 2018 summit collapse.
Traffic should still be expected due to construction and especially when Kilauea is erupting.
"During eruptions, traffic can be stop-and-go several miles before the park entrance," Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said in its latest update. "Expect delays through September. When entering the park, know where you want to go, follow all signage, heed traffic control workers and the speed limit. Be aware that there could be a line for restrooms and portable toilets during periods of heavy visitation."
New this month, safety upgrades will temporarily close the western switchbacks of the Kilauea Iki trail. But don't cancel your hiking plans, as the rest of the trail is open. The work on the switchback is from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Ranger-guided hikes are returning in September. The park already offers a "Life on the Edge" guided hike, which visitors can check for dates and times on the park calendar, but the park is also restarting its weekend guided hikes in the Kahuku unit of the park on Sep. 6, 13 and 27. The month is focused on the ohia lehua tree. Visitors interested in the Kahuku hikes can meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station.