KILAUEA — Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge started welcoming visitors back on Thursday, with a revised schedule and social distancing and sanitizing precautions in place.
The refuge is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to safely increase access to Kilauea Point NWR lands and facilities as rapidly as possible.
Beginning July 9, Kilauea Point NWR has re-instated public visitation under a revised schedule of Thursday through Saturday, except for federal holidays. The refuge has implemented a timed entry reservation system in order to meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to COVID-19 and to better manage high visitation demand and limited parking availability. Reservations are required for all visitors age 16 and older in order to visit the Refuge.
Restroom facilities will be available for use.
“The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and employees remains our number one priority and the Visitor Center (and Nature Store), Contact Station, and Lighthouse facilities remain closed at this time,” KPNWR staff said in a release about the reopening.
The release continues: “We will continue to review access, services, and programs, implementing a phased approach to reopening, in accordance to protocols set by Governors, local public health officials, and our agency protocols. These decisions will be informed by the most current guidance and information from the Department of the Interior, CDC, Environmental Protection Agency and others to ensure the health and safety of those visiting and working at Kilauea Point NWR are protected. We will continue to closely monitor conditions and adjust our operations accordingly.”
Visitors are urged to do their part when visiting Kilauea Point NWR and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; wearing a face mask when interacting with others from outside of your party or when entering enclosed spaces such as restrooms, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
Updates about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s response to coronavirus are posted at www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.
Book reservations online through Recreation.gov at the following link: www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300018.
The $10 entry fee along with a $1 reservation booking fee will be charged for individuals 16 and older. Kamaʻaina as well as America The Beautiful Passes will be continue to be honored; however, passholders must also make online reservations through Recreation.gov and pay the $1 online booking fee in advance of their visit to the Refuge.
