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 May.
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 May.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Inspired by the Island of Fire
Hawaii Island author Tom Peek, a former eruption ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes, presents “the story behind the story” of his award-winning novel, “Daughters of Fire.” The novel is described as “a gripping adventure of romance, intrigue, myth and murder set amid the cultural tensions of contemporary Hawaii.” Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. May 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Create a Lei Haku
Lei-making is a skill and art enjoyed in Hawaii for many generations, and Hawaiian lei come in many forms. The traditional haku style of lei-making involves braiding material into a base of leaves to create a full and beautiful adornment. Learn how it’s done! Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 11
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Emma Stibbon, May 2016 Artist in Residence
Visual artist Emma Stibbon, noted for her dramatic and extreme monochrome landscape drawings, was selected as the May 2016 artist in residence at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stibbon, who is from the United Kingdom, will display and discuss her work at an After Dark in the Park program at 7 p.m. May 17 at the Kilauea Visitor Center.
Stibbon also will offer two public workshops, featuring plein air techniques, on two consecutive Saturdays, at 11 a.m. May 14 and 21. Both workshops will be in the lobby of the 1932 Administration Building (also known as the ‘Ohi‘a Wing), located between Kilauea Visitor Center and the Volcano House on Crater Rim Drive. Participants must bring their own pencils, ink and paper. Call or email Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Schuster to reserve a spot: laura_c_schuster@nps.gov, 985-6130. The artist-in-residence program is presented in cooperation with the nonprofit National Parks Arts Foundation. All artist in residence programs are free.
Find Your Park on the Big Screen
Learn the significance of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam, established in 1978 as a tribute to those who fought and died during the Pacific Theater of World War II. The 30-minute film, “Liberating Guam: The U.S. Comes Back,” reveals the aggressive Japanese expansion into the Pacific region during the war, and because of its graphic nature, might not be suitable for younger audiences.
When: 7 p.m. May 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Richard “Likeke” Teanio in Concert
Musician Richard “Likeke” Teanio serenades the evening with ukulele and slack-key guitar music. Born and raised in Kaneohe, Oahu, he’s been featured on multiple recording projects for Kekuhi Kanahele, Diana Aki, Russell Mauga and Walter Aipolani. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. May 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Honu‘ea, Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has monitored and protected nesting honu‘ea and their habitat since 1989. Honu‘ea are critically endangered and only 139 nesting females have been documented. Lauren Kurpita, coordinator of the Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project, reveals the differences between hawksbill and green sea turtles (honu), threats to hawksbills, and the latest conservation efforts to protect the species from extinction. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. May 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Learn to Plait Lau Hala
Many Pacific cultures plait (weave) the leaves of the pandanus plant (called lau hala in Hawaii) into useful and decorative items such as mats, baskets, bracelets and more. Weaving lau hala is a long and arduous process, but the final product is soft, beautiful and a work of art. Come learn how it’s done. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 25
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Centennial Hike: Honu‘ea, Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Hawaii
Join Lauren Kurpita and Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita on a 3-mile round trip hike to Ka‘ena Point to learn more about the nesting and monitoring activities of honu‘ea, the human and cultural history of the area, and how eruptions in this coastal region have impacted both. Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. Be prepared for hot, windy weather. About 2 1/2 hours.
When: 9 a.m. May 28
Where: Meet at the Pu‘u Loa Petroglyph Parking Lot