Kilauea Iki Crater — a star attraction in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. To hike into Kilauea Iki is to follow in the footsteps of early Hawaiians and Apollo astronauts. (Photo courtesy of National Park Service)

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In commemoration of the Martin Luther King Day holiday, national parks will waive entrance fees this weekend — Saturday, Jan. 15, to Monday, Jan. 17. In Hawaii, this weekend’s fee-free parks include Hawaii Volcanoes, Puuhonua o Honaunau, and Haleakala.

“It’s a new year,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “If your resolution is to unplug and spend quality time together in the outdoors, where better than a national park in Hawaii? In tough economic times, fee-free days give families an affordable way to enjoy our islands‟ natural beauty in meaningful ways.”

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to join in ranger-guided hikes that celebrate Hawaii Island’s second annual Volcano Awareness Month, an initiative spearheaded by scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Hikes slated for this weekend include:

* On Saturday, meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center by 1 p.m. for a three hour, 2.7-mile hike into Kilauea Caldera.

* On Sunday, meet at Kilauea Iki Overlook by 1 p.m. for a three hour, 4-mile hike through Kilauea Iki Crater.

* On Monday, meet at the Mauna Ulu parking lot by 10 a.m., for a three hour, 3-mile hike through the lava landscape created by Kilauea’s 1969 to 1974 eruption.

The Kahuku Unit of the park is also open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for driving, hiking, and picnicking. A special ranger-guided hike, People and Land of Kahuku, is scheduled for Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For all hikes, carry water and snacks, wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes, and be prepared for cool wet weather.

Mark your calendar — future 2011 fee-free dates include National Park Week (April 16-24), the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24), and Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 11-13).