Halemaumau Crater (Photo courtesy of Michael Szoenyi | NPS)

MEDIA RELEASE

Twenty-five years ago, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest treasures, and was designated a World Heritage Site for having “superlative attributes of universal value important to the common heritage of humanity.”

Today, there are 21 World Heritage Sites in the United States (including two in Hawaii, the other is Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument) and 962 sites worldwide.

To commemorate the silver anniversary of its World Heritage Site status, and the 40th anniversary of the international World Heritage Convention, the park is offering two events, one at the park and one at The Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast:

World Heritage “After Dark in the Park” Presentation

Join National Geographic Traveler editor Jonathan Tourtellot for an overview of World Heritage Sites, how World Heritage grows jobs, four common myths about World Heritage and America’s position in the global quest for World Heritage sites.

No registration required. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (but park entrance fees apply).

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

World Heritage Anniversary Roundtable

The park, Big Island Visitors Bureau, and The Fairmont Orchid invite you to a destination roundtable with National Geographic Traveler editor Jonathan Tourtellot, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park staff, and travel industry leaders. Learn why having a World Heritage Site on our island is important, what it means to your organization, and how you can leverage this unique status in your outreach efforts.

Free admission and free parking at The Fairmont Orchid; RSVP online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4450461450/eorg, or contact Jessica Ferracane at 808-985-6018 or via email, jessica_ferracane@nps.gov.

When: 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
Where: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii’s Plaza Ballroom