(ABOVE) This USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory photo features one of the National Park’s star attractions: the active lava lake within Halema’uma’u crater at the summit of Kilauea volcano.
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – Hawaii Island’s biggest tourist attraction needs another day off following Hurricane Iselle, which made landfall early Friday morning in Ka’u.
The Natioanl Park Service has issued this media release:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is closed today, Friday, August 8, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle, park officials said. Every attempt will be made to reopen the park and its visitor centers on Saturday, August 9, 2014.
“The highways and roads are still unsafe, with downed trees, power lines and flash flooding. At the park, the power is out and the phones are down. It is far safer for our employees and our visitors to stay off the roads,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We are currently assessing any damage, and hope to have the park open by Saturday,” she said.
Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp will remain open to registered guests. The other national parks on Hawai‘i Island are also closed Friday, including Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
The National Weather Service downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm. A tropical storm warning and a flash flood warning remain in effect for all Hawaiian Islands.National Park Service
by Big Island Video News11:37 am
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STORY SUMMARY
Hawaii Island's biggest tourist attraction needs another day off following Hurricane Iselle.