Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will join all 397 national park units across the country in waiving entrance fees Friday, January 14 through Monday, January 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Entrance fees will also be waived on Saturday, January 21 to honor the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 100-year anniversary and Open House.
The HVO Open House on January 21 is an ideal opportunity for residents and visitors to meet USGS scientists, learn how they monitor Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, and appreciate the compelling history of this vital agency. HVO is located within the national park right next to Jaggar Museum, but is typically not open to the public. The Open House will feature observatory tours, demonstrations, and other activities, starting at 9 a.m.
For information on the HVO Open House and other programs offered by HVO in January, visit hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
“We are pleased to invite the public to explore their magnificent national park at no charge during these significant milestones,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “I hope everyone has an opportunity to take advantage of the fee-free dates during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, and can enjoy the rare privilege of visiting HVO’s Open House,” she said.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will offer numerous ranger-led hikes and programs during the fee-free dates. Visitors can find information at http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm and check the ranger activities bulletin board at the K?lauea Visitor Center each morning at 9 a.m.
The National Park Service will waive entrance fees on 14 other days in 2012: April 21-29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), July 14 (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s 32nd Annual Cultural Festival), September 29 (National Public Lands Day) and November 10-12 (Veteran’s Day weekend).
