Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center Reopens After Volcanic Ash Cleanup

The pool facility had been closed since late January due to damage from the Kīlauea eruption.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

The Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center in Hawaii's Puna district is reopening today after being closed since late January when volcanic ash and debris from the Kīlauea eruption contaminated the pool and surrounding facilities. The county hired a licensed pool contractor to thoroughly clean the entire center, and it is now ready to resume normal operations.

Why it matters

The Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center is an important recreational resource for the local community, providing a place for swimming, exercise, and social activities. Its closure due to the volcanic eruption has been an inconvenience for residents, so its reopening is welcomed news.

The details

The pool at the William 'Billy' Kenoi District Park had been closed since January 24th when episode 41 of the Kīlauea eruption carried ash and Pele's hair into the pool and surrounding facility. To ensure public safety and protect the pool's circulation and filtration systems, the county hired a licensed pool contractor to conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire facility.

  • The PCAC pool has been closed since January 24, 2026.
  • The facility is reopening today, March 3, 2026.

The players

Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center

A public pool and recreation facility located in Pāhoa, Hawaii's Puna district.

Kīlauea

An active shield volcano located in the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai'i.

William 'Billy' Kenoi District Park

The park where the Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center is located.

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The takeaway

The reopening of the Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center is a positive development for the local community, as it restores an important recreational resource that was impacted by the ongoing Kīlauea volcanic eruption. This demonstrates the resilience of the community in the face of natural disasters.