Halape, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park occupies 320,000+ acres on the Big Island of Hawaii and encompasses ecosystems from sea level to almost 14,000 feet. One of the most spectacular, remote, and popular hiking destinations is Halape, a landscape of cold lava, little white sand beaches, sea turtle nesting grounds, and tropical palms swaying in the sea winds.

Working with NPS personnel, ACS designed and prefabricated this rustic looking building with modern features that was air-lifted to the building site and reassembled by an ACS led crew. Black volcanic rock now conceals the white area on the building to the left.

ACS’s prefabricated building features a permanent wood foundation, heavy cedar siding, and a deck anchored on the lava. Photovoltaic arrays under the roof’s Lexan glazing power the facility’s electrical system. Gutters along the eves channel rainwater into the cistern in the basement. An electric pump supplies pressurized water for cleaning. Left, the Phoenix PF-200, cistern, and charge controller.
Providing relief, but not comfort, the old vault toilet was foul, windy, and anything but private.