Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in August.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in August.
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:
“Kilauea’s Night Skies: An Artist’s Perspective”
7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11
Join Hawaii Island artist and interpretive guide Kent Olsen at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium as he presents “Kilauea’s Night Skies: An Artist’s Perspective.”
Drawing on insights and perspectives developed through years of work in the medical imaging design field, as an interpretive guide at Mauna Kea observatories and a certified commercial guide at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Olsen will present the night skies over Kilauea in a way that is sure to provide a new perspective and may just change the way you see everything.
Utilizing the current lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater as a point of reference, you will journey from the depths of the quantum realm to the edge of the cosmos. Olsen boldly attempts to describe the natural world in a way that makes the scale of the seemingly infinite something you just might be able to wrap your head around.
Attendees are reminded the park is open all night for stargazing and lava glow viewing. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
“Nā La‘au: Important Uses of Hawaiian Plants”
10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 12
Park ranger Julia Espaniola shares her knowledge and love for some of the island’s native plants and their traditional uses. Part of HVNP’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops, on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai. Free.
Halau O Mailelaulani
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19
Enjoy a free hula performance by Halau o Mailelaulani, a Hilo-based halau under the direction of kumu hula Mailelaulani Canario.
Mailelaulani established her halau in the mid-1970s to perpetuate the kahiko (ancient) as well as ‘auana (modern) style of hula. Today, her ‘auana performers participate in the annual Merrie Monarch festivities and are regular entertainers for the cruise ships through Destination Hilo.
The halau placed third in the 32nd annual Kupuna Hula Festival’s wahine group competition in Kona in 2014.
On stage at the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium, part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ Nā Leo Manu (heavenly voices) performances. Free.
‘Ukulele lessons
10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 26
Learn about the history of this world-famous instrument that plays a significant role in contemporary Hawaiian music.
Join rangers from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as they share their knowledge and love of Hawaiian culture. Learn how to play a simple tune on the ‘ukulele and leave with a new skill and treasured ‘ike (wisdom) to share with your hoa (friends) and ‘ohana (family). Conducted on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai; part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops. Free.