Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Country
United States of America (USA)
Inscribed in
1987
Criterion
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
This site contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa (4,170 m high) and Kilauea (1,250 m high), both of which tower over the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions have created a constantly changing landscape, and the lava flows reveal surprising geological formations. Rare birds and endemic species can be found there, as well as forests of giant ferns. © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Trend
Stable
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Description of values
Two of the world’s most active and best understood volcanoes
Criterion
(viii)
This World Heritage site is a unique example of significant island building through ongoing volcanic processes. It represents the most recent activity in the continuing process of the geologic origin and change of the Hawaiian Archipelago. The park and the World Heritage site contain significant parts of two of the world's most active and best understood volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea was in continuous eruption from January 1983 to August 2018, and is reasonably accessible to Park visitors year round. Mauna Loa erupted briefly during March-April 1984, simultaneously with the ongoing activity at Kilauea. Both volcanoes are intensively studied by scientists of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory U.S. Geological Survey (Dept. of Interior), and are arguably the most studied volcanoes in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2018).
Exceptional volcanic landscape
Criterion
(viii)
Active volcanoes are not uncommon features for national parks, though Hawaii Volcanoes presents remarkably vivid exposure to volcanic features. Through the process of shield-building volcanism, the Park's landscape is one of relatively constant, dynamic change. Visitors to the Park are afforded close and relatively free access (contingent upon safety of viewing conditions) to lava flows, active volcanic vents, and an array of features resulting from very recent activity. The National Park is by far the primary destination for visitors who come to Hawaii Island, and one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the several Hawaiian Islands. Social surveys of Park visitors indicate that the majority of visitors come to the Park to see active volcanism or recent volcanic landscape features.
Intact endemic plant and animal communities
The National Park encompasses native forest ecosystems that span an unusually steep climatic gradient, from wet mid-elevation forest, to mesic forest and shrubland, to semi-arid and arid shrub and desert, and sub-alpine and alpine vegetation types. Some intact insect and bird populations persist, and are recovering in some areas due to invasive alien species control measures carried out by National Park managers.
Native marine coastal animals
The National Park shoreline extends for approximately 45 km along the rugged and mostly intact southern coast of Hawaii Island. Native green sea turtles, the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas, EN) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata, CR) occur in near shore waters; the Hawksbill turtle come ashore to most of the small sandy beaches to nest, where sites are protected from predatory mongooses and feral cats. The Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi, EN) have quite recently been observed on Park beaches.
Marine and pelagic birds
Several species of shore birds and pelagic birds feed and reproduce in National Park lands. Significantly, the pelagic Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis, EN) and the Newell’s shearwater (Puffinus newelli, CR) reproduce in nests situated in high elevation burrows (Mauna Loa), where they are threatened by feral cats and mongooses, and as well by obstructions in lowland areas, such as fences and utility lines and by distractions from outdoor night lighting in populated areas. Other pelagic and shore birds, such as Black noddy (Anous minutus, LC) and White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus, LC) maintain nests in shoreline and inland cracks and crevices, as in Kilauea Caldera.
Assessment information
The current threats to the park’s geological values for which it is inscribed on the World Heritage list are very low.
However, the cumulative threats to the park’s biological values are high. Invasive alien plants and animals constitute the most serious threats to the Park’s biodiversity values. The dominant alien plants are flammable grasses, which compound the threat by serving as the source of destructive wildfires, which inhibit recovery of emerging native species. These grasses are not controlled in any measurable standard, and therefore pose a long term threat to the recovery of native Park ecosystems. Invasive shrubs and trees in mesic and wet forest areas pose equally serious threats and are not easily controllable. Alien animals, ungulates particularly, have caused extensive damage to natural vegetation, but are mostly eliminated or substantially reduced throughout the Park. Alien predators remain widely distributed, but can be controlled in selected small areas where sensitive species can receive a measurable level of protection. Helicopters are intrusive, noisy, and significantly disturb the perception of the unique landscape of the park. The recently identified fungal disease of ʻōhiʻa trees across the Island of Hawai'i, including within the World Heritage site, is a concern for the protection of the biological values.
However, the cumulative threats to the park’s biological values are high. Invasive alien plants and animals constitute the most serious threats to the Park’s biodiversity values. The dominant alien plants are flammable grasses, which compound the threat by serving as the source of destructive wildfires, which inhibit recovery of emerging native species. These grasses are not controlled in any measurable standard, and therefore pose a long term threat to the recovery of native Park ecosystems. Invasive shrubs and trees in mesic and wet forest areas pose equally serious threats and are not easily controllable. Alien animals, ungulates particularly, have caused extensive damage to natural vegetation, but are mostly eliminated or substantially reduced throughout the Park. Alien predators remain widely distributed, but can be controlled in selected small areas where sensitive species can receive a measurable level of protection. Helicopters are intrusive, noisy, and significantly disturb the perception of the unique landscape of the park. The recently identified fungal disease of ʻōhiʻa trees across the Island of Hawai'i, including within the World Heritage site, is a concern for the protection of the biological values.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Introduced plants, animals, and pathogens)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Native lowland plant and animal ecosystems are especially impacted by introduced non-native grasses and by feral ungulates. Feral goats, pigs, cats, mongooses, and rats. Recent invasion of Mouflon sheep have impacted upper elevation areas, which are semi-arid and sensitive to ungulate grazing stresses.
Recent arrival from Puerto Rico is the Coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a nuisance and insectivore known to compete with native birds for food and to deplete native insects and arachnids.
Pathogens, notably avian malaria and avian pox, transmitted by alien mosquitoes, have devastated native bird populations. The virus Papaloma infects green sea turtles. However, the current extent of this threat is unknown.
Recent arrival from Puerto Rico is the Coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a nuisance and insectivore known to compete with native birds for food and to deplete native insects and arachnids.
Pathogens, notably avian malaria and avian pox, transmitted by alien mosquitoes, have devastated native bird populations. The virus Papaloma infects green sea turtles. However, the current extent of this threat is unknown.
Fire/ Fire Suppression
(Wildfire)
Outside site
Lowland grasses are particularly prone to wildfire, which not only perpetuate the introduced grasses, but reduce emerging native grasses, shrubs, and lowland/dryland forest trees. Wildfire is reportedly happening a lot more on the island than ever before and the synergy with non-native plants is a threat (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Tourism/ Recreation Areas
(Commercial helicopter tours)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Helicopters fly thousands of visitors over the Park every year, including to remote areas where lava flows are not easily accessible. Helicopters are intrusive, noisy, and significantly distract visitors who are on the ground, often enjoying features that require a measure of tranquility and focused attention. Commercial tours may contribute toward the benefit of the Park through a fee system agreed upon by the operators and the Park, but they also reduce the Park experience for those who are below them. They also intrude on the tranquility and privacy of neighboring landowners. Managing air tours is difficult because of vague and competing jurisdictional authority among Federal, State, and local agencies.
Other
(Fungal disease)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
A fungal disease “Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death” (ROD) has recently been detected in the lower elevations inside the National Park (NPS, 2017), which also falls within the property boundaries. ROD has been identified to be killing ʻōhiʻa, by clogging the tree’s vascular system and depriving the canopy of water. NPS has described the ʻōhiʻa as a keystone species in Hawaiian forests, and therefore “ROD has the potential to cause major ecosystem disturbances that will negatively impact watershed, cultural traditions, natural resources and quality of life” (NPS, 2017). NPS has put up warning signs and instructions for visitors on preventing the spread of ROD.
A 2019 Natural Resource Condition Assessment conducted on behalf of the National Park Service validated this threat, and recognized that ROD is a continuing threat to the park.
A 2019 Natural Resource Condition Assessment conducted on behalf of the National Park Service validated this threat, and recognized that ROD is a continuing threat to the park.
Solid Waste
(Microplastic accumulation pollution on beaches)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Microplastic accumulation pollution is increasingly pervasive in the marine environment, and has adversely affected beaches in the Pacific including the island of Hawaii and coastal beach portions of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Vanderzyl et. al. 2019).
The potential threats to the park’s geological values are very low. However, the threats to the park’s biological values are high overall. Growth of settlements around the Park appears to be unavoidable, and hence it is important to ensure that any impacts on Park and area resources be mitigated with wise community planning. This must be a collaborative endeavor among the National Park administration and the local communities. Addressing climate change, which is the key concern for the future of the site, will require a global collaborative approach, but credible recording of the changes of temperature and precipitation and their impacts on the natural system will add to the accumulative documentation of the site.
Temperature extremes
(Drought and warming climate)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Increasing drought and higher temperatures have the potential to cause trees and shrubs in the Park’s landscape to die and yield to more tolerant plant communities, especially in subalpine, alpine, and leeward areas. Reduced wildlife populations, range, and reproductive capacity presumably is a consequence. The potential for wildfire is increased, and along with this potential is the loss of certain native plant and animal species.
Housing/ Urban Areas
(Human population growth in surrounding settlements)
Outside site
Neighboring settlements are only partially developed. When fully occupied, the human population within the threshold of the Park might be 25,000. The impacts from a population of this size might result in the loss of the landscape gradient that now buffers the natural forest canopy, the lesser settlement density, noise, nighttime lighting outdoors, and traffic patterns from the more settled, urban, and commercial areas further from the Park..
Volcanic activity, Earthquakes/ Tsunamis, Avalanches/ Landslides, Erosion and Siltation/ Deposition
(Rapid pace of geological change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The landscape is subject to frequent earthquakes and attendant rockfalls. Steep escarpments formed during the 2018 eruption are places of active erosion, as is the entire coastal segment. Whilst these can be considered active geological processes and therefore an integral part of the values of the site, they also simultaneously represent potential threats to how the site is studied and understood through the threat they pose to built infrastructure etc.
The overall threats to the site’s geological values for which it is inscribed on the World Heritage list are very low. The perception of the site’s unique landscape values is somewhat affected by commercial helicopter flights.
However, the threats to the site’s biological values are high. Alien plants and animals constitute the most serious threats to the site’s biodiversity values Invasive species control is a widely known problem for land managers in island ecosystems Climate change is probably the most significant potential threat to the site’s biodiversity values.
However, the threats to the site’s biological values are high. Alien plants and animals constitute the most serious threats to the site’s biodiversity values Invasive species control is a widely known problem for land managers in island ecosystems Climate change is probably the most significant potential threat to the site’s biodiversity values.
Management system
The Park locally borders important protected areas that are managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The Park is a partner in a regional land management group, known as the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA). TMA managers collaborate in several alien species control programs, wildfire assessment and management, and present a unified persona in dealings with related agencies and land management entities. U.S. Geological Survey scientists are resident in the Park, or work frequently in the Park, resulting in strong synergies with NPS management in areas of resource evaluationm protection, public safety and priority research. The Park’s Resources Management Plan is the result of a collaborative process among other-agency managers, academicians, and other interested people.
Effectiveness of management system
Data Deficient
Boundaries
Park boundaries are surveyed, secure, and marked. The National Park boundary was expanded in 2004 to include Kahuku Ranch, making the Park 56% larger (NPS, 2008). However, the boundary of the World Heritage property has remained unchanged since its inscription in 1987, and is therefore significantly smaller than the National Park (ProtectedPlanet, 2017a,b).
Integration into regional and national planning systems
The National Park is sometimes perceived as operating independently from Hawai'i County and State land planning systems. Of particular concern is a lack of communication with threshold communities, which are developing local long term plans and seek greater input and cooperation from the Park administration. Similarly, the Park administration is not seen as being interested in County-level land use planning matters, despite the County’s critical role in establishing land use zones and managing growth in private lands around the Park.
Relationships with local people
The National Park/WHS enjoys broad support in the Hawaiian community because of its support for local customs and promotion and interpretation of Hawaiian history, traditional dance, music, language, crafts, etc.
The Park has a designated Cultural Resources Management program, which identifies, records, and protects Hawaiian cultural sites and objects.
The Park has a designated Cultural Resources Management program, which identifies, records, and protects Hawaiian cultural sites and objects.
Legal framework
Enabling legislation, National Park Service management policies, and promulgation of rules that protect resources and providing access are well established and are being implemented.
Law enforcement
The Park staff includes Law Enforcement rangers whose primary duty is to protect the park resources and provide for employee and visitor safety which includes issues related to law enforcement. In addition, these rangers also work with other park employees and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to protect and manage Park values and, especially, to keep park visitors safe on two of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Not applicable
Sustainable use
The Park’s operations are secure, with exceptions when multitudes of visitors arrive to see unusual lava displays. Such events are not common.
Sustainable finance
The Park is funded through US Government allocations and a mix of partnerships with federal and state programs, non-government organizations, private, and businesses programs. The Park’s base budget is subject to changes and might be insufficient.
Staff capacity, training, and development
Park staff are reasonably trained. Although staffing levels seem insufficient for times of high visitation and for ongoing maintenance needs of the Park (IUCN Consultation, 2020). However, the park does make excellent use of volunteers to augment capacity where possible.
Education and interpretation programs
Programs are organized and effective given limitations on resources (time, people, funding) and loss of facilities in the 2018 summit collapse (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Tourism and visitation management
Although visitors are managed effectively, some perceive excessive visitor safety policies. Examples are area closures without fully explaining the existing hazards and risks, restrictions on access to popular areas, and unilateral cancellations or threats to cancel established and popular events. Concern remains over crowding of popular areas in the Park, traffic control, helicopter tours and large tour busses, which often disturb tranquil areas.
Between 2017 and 2019, visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dropped from 2,016,702, in 2017, to 1,116,891 in 2018, and rising slightly to 1,368,376 in 2019. The primary reasons for the drop in visitation can be attributed to two main events, the 2018 eruption of Kilauea and the 2018-2019 Federal Government shutdown and the 2020 pandemic.
Considering that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is listed for criterion viii, highlighting “active volcanic processes”, the 2018 eruption and the natural processes that accompanied the eruption, are seen as adding to the geological value and associated scientific interest in the site. At the same time, the eruption did cause significant damage to Park buildings and infrastructure.
The 2018 eruption and summit collapse continued from May to August with intense seismic activity, small explosions, and collapse of the caldera floor in the summit region and lava flows in lower Puna outside the Park. Activity centered on both the Kilauea summit caldera at Halemaumau – within the Park boundaries – and along the Lower East Rift zone – both within and outside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boundaries. The 2018 activity caused the park to be closed to visitation for 134 days or 37% of the visitor year. Visitor decline during and following the 2018 eruption is estimated to have caused $99.4 million loss to the local communities surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (AP, 2019).
In addition to park closures, the 2018 activity resulted in damage to park buildings, roads, trails, and other infrastructure. The most notable damage was to the Reginald T. Okamura building occupied by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Thomas Jaggar Museum building overlooking Kilauea caldera where damage was sufficiently severe to result in the indefinite closure of these buildings. The Jaggar Museum and overlook was one of the most highly visited features of the Park. Other key features of high visitation include Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) which remained closed for more than a year following the 2018 activity.
In the buffer zone adjacent to the lower East Rift Zone of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, approximately 700 homes were destroyed by lava flows (AP, 2019).
Between 2017 and 2019, visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park dropped from 2,016,702, in 2017, to 1,116,891 in 2018, and rising slightly to 1,368,376 in 2019. The primary reasons for the drop in visitation can be attributed to two main events, the 2018 eruption of Kilauea and the 2018-2019 Federal Government shutdown and the 2020 pandemic.
Considering that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is listed for criterion viii, highlighting “active volcanic processes”, the 2018 eruption and the natural processes that accompanied the eruption, are seen as adding to the geological value and associated scientific interest in the site. At the same time, the eruption did cause significant damage to Park buildings and infrastructure.
The 2018 eruption and summit collapse continued from May to August with intense seismic activity, small explosions, and collapse of the caldera floor in the summit region and lava flows in lower Puna outside the Park. Activity centered on both the Kilauea summit caldera at Halemaumau – within the Park boundaries – and along the Lower East Rift zone – both within and outside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boundaries. The 2018 activity caused the park to be closed to visitation for 134 days or 37% of the visitor year. Visitor decline during and following the 2018 eruption is estimated to have caused $99.4 million loss to the local communities surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (AP, 2019).
In addition to park closures, the 2018 activity resulted in damage to park buildings, roads, trails, and other infrastructure. The most notable damage was to the Reginald T. Okamura building occupied by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Thomas Jaggar Museum building overlooking Kilauea caldera where damage was sufficiently severe to result in the indefinite closure of these buildings. The Jaggar Museum and overlook was one of the most highly visited features of the Park. Other key features of high visitation include Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) which remained closed for more than a year following the 2018 activity.
In the buffer zone adjacent to the lower East Rift Zone of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, approximately 700 homes were destroyed by lava flows (AP, 2019).
Monitoring
Long-term monitoring is an important component of the natural resources management program. The NPS Inventory & Monitoring Program for the Pacific Island National Parks is based at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and partners with the park to provide long term physical and biological monitoring of resources (IUCN Consultation, 2020). More could be done with increased and stable funding.
Research
Applied research in the Park is a long-standing tradition. The active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa are among the longest studied volcanoes of the planet (Poland et al., 2014). Since 1911, these geological studies and monitoring efforts have been made from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory located on the rim of Kilauea caldera and operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (Tilling et., 2011). The Park’s resources management programs are always based on applied research. Increased and stable funding is a perennial concern. The Park regularly promotes its status as a designated WHS. The Park is also a designated International Biosphere Reserve. Both designations could do much to improve the Park’s level of funding and attractiveness as a center for applied research in the fields of alien species control and ecosystem restoration. In addition, there is scientific research supporting space exploration that is ongoing on Hawaii. This is seen as compatible with and supporting the geological values for which the site is listed (Koren, 2018).
The Park’s tradition of applied research and science-based management has proven to be effective in partial restoration of natural ecosystems in selected areas. There is a greater need to extend this tradition to areas that are less intact and where problems are more widely spread. Systematic evaluation of situational hazard and risk in conjunction with subject matter experts within NPS and USGS can help to explain area closures to visitors and residents alike.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Some Concern
External threats consist mostly of introduced plants and animals, which are either carried into the Park by visitors or are delivered incidentally by birds, carried by wind, or by other natural means. Most of the boundary is fenced to keep out ungulates (pigs, goats, Mouflon sheep, and most recently Axis deer). Such fences, however, are not effective against small animals, reptiles, and birds, spores and seeds.
Research and management of pathogens, biological control of invasive species, more effective predator control, invertebrate attractants and toxins, etc. are needed but limited by lack of funding.
Research and management of pathogens, biological control of invasive species, more effective predator control, invertebrate attractants and toxins, etc. are needed but limited by lack of funding.
Best practice examples
Removal of feral goats and pigs through unit fencing and applied hunting;
Ecosystem restoration of selected areas through strategic exotic plant removal by uprooting, and/or suppression with herbicides;
Restoration of population of endangered native goose, sea turtle, pelagic birds through strategic predator control and protection of nesting sites;
Restoration of selected native, rare (some Endangered) plants by strategic out planting and husbandry;
Suppression of selected alien species by releasing biological control agents;
Commitment to applied research and long term monitoring;
Restoration of fire damaged dryland ʻōhiʻa woodlands by replacing damaged native species components with fire-adapted native species. Park management is keenly aware of, and is closely tracking, the recently identified fungal disease ("Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death") attacking ʻōhiʻa trees; park visitors are informed about this potential serious threat and the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Ecosystem restoration of selected areas through strategic exotic plant removal by uprooting, and/or suppression with herbicides;
Restoration of population of endangered native goose, sea turtle, pelagic birds through strategic predator control and protection of nesting sites;
Restoration of selected native, rare (some Endangered) plants by strategic out planting and husbandry;
Suppression of selected alien species by releasing biological control agents;
Commitment to applied research and long term monitoring;
Restoration of fire damaged dryland ʻōhiʻa woodlands by replacing damaged native species components with fire-adapted native species. Park management is keenly aware of, and is closely tracking, the recently identified fungal disease ("Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death") attacking ʻōhiʻa trees; park visitors are informed about this potential serious threat and the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Good
Trend
Stable
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is fortunate in being well established (1916) with a tradition of mostly sound management and with traditions of excellent applied research, resources management, and interpretation of cultural values. Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes are the highly visible and accepted icons of this site. The value of these features can be diminished by excessive access, but this is highly unlikely, given the effective management practices of the National Park Service.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
Certain alien shrub and tree species are coming under control in special areas which are partially intact or have the potential for recovery if the aliens are removed. Ungulates have come under control to a large extent Park wide, but alien grasses persist. Control programs have been effective where cat and mongoose predators threaten turtle nesting and pelagic bird nesting sites. Coqui frogs are eliminated usually as they appear, only through a targeted specially funded program, and by volunteers in parts of neighboring communities.
Hawksbill sea turtles are protected seasonally in nesting sites, and green sea turtles as well are protected in basking sites through a volunteer program and with limited special funds. Quite recently Hawaiian monk seals have appeared on Park beaches to rest, and they are given similar protection whenever they are seen.
Nesting sites for petrels and, shearwaters are protected by trapping predatory rats, mongooses, and feral cats in nesting territory. Habitat for shore and wetland birds is very limited in the Park, but common in nearby shore areas.
Continued research and management of invasive species control and protection and restoration of threatened native plants and animals remains an urgent need for Park management. Programs in this area would advance further when Park administrators fully understand the fragility of certain populations and allocate a greater share of the Park’s budget toward these programs.
Hawksbill sea turtles are protected seasonally in nesting sites, and green sea turtles as well are protected in basking sites through a volunteer program and with limited special funds. Quite recently Hawaiian monk seals have appeared on Park beaches to rest, and they are given similar protection whenever they are seen.
Nesting sites for petrels and, shearwaters are protected by trapping predatory rats, mongooses, and feral cats in nesting territory. Habitat for shore and wetland birds is very limited in the Park, but common in nearby shore areas.
Continued research and management of invasive species control and protection and restoration of threatened native plants and animals remains an urgent need for Park management. Programs in this area would advance further when Park administrators fully understand the fragility of certain populations and allocate a greater share of the Park’s budget toward these programs.
Additional information
Sacred natural sites or landscapes
Park contains spectacular areas of designated wilderness, including the volcanically active East Rift (volcanic landforms and mid elevation forest), the Ka’u Desert (dryland dunes, shrub, and short-stature forest), the coastal historic (ancient Hawaiian village sites), and the Mauna Loa (alpine) lava landscape. A recent addition (in 2003) to the Park, the Kahuku Ranch extension of the SW Mauna Loa Rift zone of spectacular volcano landforms and native upland forest, and undisturbed archeological sites. The Kahuku Ranch addition effectively doubled the acreage of the National Park.
Wilderness and iconic features
Hawaiian people occupied mostly shore and lowland areas, and developed ingenious harvest systems for both sea and inland resources. The National Park has located and recorded many sites, some of which have been overrun by recent lava flows from Kilauea Volcano. Hawaiian occupation of upland areas was not common or intense, except reverence for and occasional ceremonial visits to Kilauea Volcano. Certain quarry sites and gathering areas are known, some of which are recorded. The importance of the Kilauea Volcano to Hawaiian people (as well as others) cannot be overstated.
History and tradition
The indigenous Hawaiian culture is dynamic, and is undergoing a renaissance. The National Park, in a significant way, promotes this through intimate encouragement with Hawaiian elders, cultural and educational groups, focused hiring of Hawaiians to Park staff, interpretation of language, music, dance and other art forms to Park visitors, and restoration of historic and pre-Contact sites and features., and especially educating local and non-resident visitors of the cultural significance of the Kilauea Volcano. Park authorities permit limited traditional harvesting of native plants that are important in cultural practices. The Park has a designated Cultural Resources Management program, which identifies, records, and protects Hawaiian cultural sites and objects. Stable, long term funding would improve the outlook for continued survey, inventory, protection, and preservation.
Benefits of WHS designation extend beyond the National Park into the threshold communities and to the surrounding lands, especially those with protected status. This Park is situated in an unusually qualified location to display progressive regional land management, exemplary cooperation with neighboring land managers, and to demonstrate the unique benefits of encouraging a threshold community to establish a non-destructive, sustainable imprint on the local environment.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Data deficient | Data deficient |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Associated Press. (2019) Hawaii volcano money loss story; Associated Press wire service, May 28, 2019
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| 2 |
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. (2018). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Accessible to Public during Government Shutdown; Press release, December 21, 2018, https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20181221_shutdown.htm
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| 3 |
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. (2019). Natural resource condition assessment: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Natural Resource Report NPS/HAVO/NRR—2019/1967. Prepared by Fung Associates, Incorporated, and SWCA Environmental Consultants. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, 343 p.
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| 4 |
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. (2019). Superintendents Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions, September 27, 2019, 39 p. https://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm
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| 5 |
IUCN (1987) World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Technical Evaluation, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (USA). .
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| 6 |
IUCN Consultation. (2020). IUCN Confidential Consultation- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, United States of America
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| 7 |
Koren, M. (2018). Hawaii’s Mars Simulations Are Turning Into Moon Missions; The Atlantic, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/11/hi-seas…
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| 8 |
NPS (2008) Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Business Plan.
National Park Service, US Department of the Interior. . |
| 9 |
NPS (2017) Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death: Help prevent the spread of this terrible disease. .
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| 10 |
Neal, C. et al. (54 co-authors). (2019). The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea Volcano. Science. 363. pp. 367-374. 10.1126/science.aav7046.
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| 11 |
Poland, M.P., Takahashi, T.J., and Landowski, C.M., eds. (2014). Characteristics of Hawaiian volcanoes: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1801, 429 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/pp1801.
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| 12 |
ProtectedPlanet (2017a) Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. .
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| 13 |
ProtectedPlanet (2017b) Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park World Heritage site. < https://www.protectedplanet.net/hawaii-volcanoes-national-p…;.
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| 14 |
Tilling, R.I., Heliker, C., and Swanson, D.A. (2011). Eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes - past, present, and future: U.S. Geological Survey General Information Product 117, 63 p.
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| 15 |
UNESCO (1990) Report on the State of Conservation of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. State of Conservation Information System of the World Heritage Centre. .
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| 16 |
USA (2013) Periodic Report Second Cycle Section II: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. .
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| 17 |
Vanderzyl, N.M.A., Colbert, S, and Wiegner, T.N., 2019, Microplastic accumulation patterns in sand among three Hawaiian beaches. (abs.), Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, paper 227-1, https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2019AM/webprogram/Paper333442.ht…
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| 18 |
World Heritage Committee (2006) Decision 30 COM 11B. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (United States of America). Statement of Significance. .
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| 19 |
World Heritage Committee. (2018). Decision 42 COM 8E. Adoption of retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (USA). [online] Manama, Bahrain: UNESCO. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/7164 (Accessed 10 October 2019).
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