Kilauea Military Camp facts for kids
Kīlauea Military Camp (KMC) is a special vacation spot for military families. It's located on Hawaiʻi Island, also known as the Big Island, right inside the amazing Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This camp is about 4,000 feet high, and it's super close to Kilauea Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world!
KMC is run by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program for the United States Department of Defense (DoD). This means it helps soldiers, Reserve members, Guard members, DoD employees, and their families relax and have fun. It offers places to stay, food, tours, and lots of activities. What used to be a military base now has comfy cottages and apartments. They have cool features like jetted tubs, kitchens, fireplaces, and cable TV, making them perfect for a family vacation.
KMC's Story
The unique connection between KMC and the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park started a long time ago, in 1916. Some business people from Hilo helped raise money to build a permanent camp. This camp was meant to be a place for soldiers to rest and relax. It was also used as a training area for local National Guard members. In August 1916, the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was created. Its goal was to protect the beautiful nature and the animals and plants living there.
KMC officially opened on November 17, 1916. Many soldiers visited this special place over the years. In 1921, the National Park Service took over KMC's lease. This happened when the Territory of Hawaii gave the land to the United States. Also in 1921, the Army took control of KMC. By the end of 1922, about five thousand soldiers had visited the camp! KMC grew over time, adding guest cottages, a store, a bakery, a barber shop, and its own power and water systems.
During World War II in the 1940s, KMC was used to house people. Many important people have visited KMC. One famous visitor was General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1946. He later became the president of the United States! In 1949, KMC opened its doors to all parts of the military. It has continued to be a great place for U.S. Military and DoD families to enjoy.
On June 1, 2011, KMC became one of three Armed Forces Recreation Center (ARFC) properties. It is now managed by the Hale Koa Hotel.
Images for kids
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Map of KMC.
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History of KMC.
