Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in November. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, and a $2 donation helps support park programs. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in November. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, and a $2 donation helps support park programs. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
— “How Ecologists Pick a ‘Winning Team’ in Forest Management.” Natural ecosystems today are forever changed by the introduction and establishment of nonnative species like never before. Some nonnative species, however, may be playing important roles in the community in terms of providing ecosystem goods and services. Susan Cordell, senior scientist and research ecologist for the USDA Forest Service’s Institute of Pacific Island Forestry, explains the objective of the agency’s lowland tropical wet forest restoration project. After Dark in the Park program is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.
— “Poke, From the Ocean to Your Table.” Join April Kekoa and Teana Kaho‘ohanohano as they share their knowledge of preparing this popular island dish. Poke (pronounced “po-keh”) means “to slice or cut.” As a food dish served as an appetizer or snack, it usually consists of bite-size pieces of raw, fresh fish mixed with seaweed and kukui nut relish. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing “‘Ike Hana No‘eau Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Program is on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
— Darlene Ahuna in concert. Vocalist and musician Darlene Ahuna is an esteemed ambassador of Hawaiian music. She is best known for her seamless falsetto renditions of traditional Hawaiian, hula and hapa-haole standards, yet she conveys a mesmerizing style all her own. Bestowed with numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards for her vocals, she is a mainstay at the Merrie Monarch Festival, and has represented the Island of Hawaii while entrancing audiences in Japan, and across the U.S. mainland. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing “Na Leo Manu Heavenly Voices,” the presentation will be on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.
— Kahuku Junior Ranger Day. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and explore the park’s southernmost section of Kahuku, in Ka‘u. Connect the culture, people, and aina through ‘oli, GPS, and compass on a short and easy walk. Ka‘ohu Monfort shares her knowledge and love of the island’s native medicinal plants and how they are used to heal and nourish. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants, jacket and closed-toe shoes. At least one adult must accompany the children. The event and lunch are free, but registration is required. Call 985-6019 by Nov. 15. Co-sponsored by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Kahuku Unit is on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Meet near the parking area.
— Rescheduled is “Large Earthquakes in the Hawaiian Islands: What You Need to Know.” The Island of Hawaii has a long history of damaging, deadly, and costly earthquakes. But did you know that large earthquakes are an ever-present danger throughout the state of Hawaii? And do you know what to do to protect yourself during the next big earthquake? Weston Thelen, a seismologist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will present an overview of damaging earthquakes in Hawaii, including current theories on why they occur, and what you need to know about future large earthquakes. Part of After Dark in the Park, this event will be on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
— “The Art of Lei Making.” Join Patricia Kaula as she shares the art of lei making. Hawaiians use lei for blessing crops, adornment for hula dancers, in healing and sacred rituals, and much more. Lei can be made from many items, including leaves, flowers, shells and seeds, and is offered to express friendship, love, respect, and honor. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ “‘Ike Hana No‘eau Experience the Skillful Work” workshops, it will be on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.