Ranger Sean helping visitors plan their day. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

(BIVN) – On Saturday morning, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened to the public for the first time since it was closed on May 11th due to unprecedented volcanic activity.

According to the National Park Service:

Park rangers turned off the Park Closed sign on Highway 11 and replaced it with a new message: Welcome Back/Park Open. Rangers were able to open the park several hours ahead of schedule and the first vehicle – local Hilo residents – came in at 7 a.m. Although an official count wasn’t immediately available, an estimated several thousand people enjoyed the park under blue skies and cool tradewinds today.

Ranger Jack edits the Park Closed sign to say Welcome Back. NPS Photo.

“It was a picture-perfect day and our hearts are filled with joy to see our visitors and community return to their park,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando in a park media release. “We thank everyone for their patience, support and understanding during the last 134 days,” she said. Orlando assisted visitors near the Hōlei Sea Arch while other staff roved the park and interacted with visitors who were ecstatic the park is open.

Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando assists visitors at the end of Chain of Craters Road on 9/22/18, NPS Photo/Janice Wei

According to the National Park Service:

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park now resumes its normal 24-hour a day operation. Saturday was National Public Lands Day, a fee-free day, and entrance fees will go into effect Sunday. Parts of the park remain closed until further damage assessments and repairs can be made.

Big Island Video News will have more video from Saturday’s opening, courtesy Visionary Video, including reaction from visitors and the full press conference with Jessica Ferracane, the HVNP Public Affairs Specialist.