Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in November.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply except on the last fee-free day of 2016, Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Earthquakes: Did You Feel That?
Thousands of earthquakes happen in Hawaii each year. Occasionally, large earthquakes can cause significant damage or tsunamis. Join Brian Shiro, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Seismic Network manager, to learn about what’s shaking in our state. Learn about different types of earthquakes, how we monitor them in Hawaii and how scientists use these signals to mitigate hazards. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lau Hala Weaving
Discover the skill of weaving lau hala with practitioners from ‘Aha Puhala o Puna. For centuries, Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m-noon Nov. 9
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Fee-Free Day on Veteran’s Day
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park joins national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for Veterans Day in honor of military men and women who have served the nation. The park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information about the free Military Pass, visit the park website.
When: All day Nov. 11
Where: All fee-charging national parks
Kahuku Unit Open House
The Kahuku Unit will host “Welina Mai Nei Kakou I Kahuku,” an open house event to celebrate Kahuku being open on Fridays (in addition to Saturdays and Sundays). Enjoy a hula performance by Halau Naleionalani led by kumu hula Debbie Ryder, Hawaiian music, informational displays about rapid ‘ohi‘a death, the Ka‘u Cultural Club and the Manuka Natural Area Reserve, plus children’s activities. Sign up for a guided hike (limited to 12 people) to Kipuka ‘Akihi. Call 929-8075.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11
Where: Kahuku Unit, Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5
The 1932 Administration Building (‘Ohi‘a Wing), Our New Museum
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will unveil a new museum that will house items from the park’s vast museum collection of more than 1.5 million objects. The park’s chief of cultural resources, Laura Carter Schuster, will reveal the history and highlights of this vast collection and plans for exhibiting the objects in the original 1932 park Administration Building, formally a lodging facility called the ‘Ohi‘a Wing. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 15
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Hula Performance by Halau o Akaunu
Experience the ancient traditions of Hawaii come to life through the chant and dance of Halau o Akaunu. Hailing from Hilo and under the instruction of Manaiakalani Kalua, Akaunu strives to perpetuate the ‘aiha‘a style of hula borne of this volcanic landscape. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 16
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Centennial Walk: 1932 Administration Building
Chief of cultural resources Laura Carter Schuster leads an easy walk from Kilauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection. About 90 minutes.
When: 10 a.m. Nov. 19
Where: Meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center
Lei Wili Demonstration
Learn about lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. The beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, ritual, gifts and as an expression of love and celebration. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m-noon Nov. 23
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
