After what probably seemed like an eternity for struggling local businesses, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has reopened to visitors.
Following 134 days of closure, a large number of visitors and Big Island residents were in attendance to see the new look Halema’uma’u crater, which has doubled in overall size since the Kilauea volcano began erupting in May.
"I’m so elated to be standing here today. We’re elated, we’re ecstatic," said parks spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane at the formal opening of the Kilauea Visitor Center.
The reopening coincided with National Public Lands Day, which promotes visitation of federal parkland with free entry each year.
However, much of the park remains off-limits, including hiking routes and the Thurston Lava Tube.
The Volcano House Hotel and the Steam Vents, which is currently the only spot open to visitors to view the crater, is still closed to guests for the time being.
