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 June.
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 June.
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.
Hawaiian Language Opera: “Ha‘upu”
Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii will present the Hawaiian language opera, “Ha‘upu,” based on the legend of Hina and her son, Kana. This all-school production tells the story through beautiful and powerful mele (song), oli (chant) and hula (dance). Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) June 7
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Make a Hū Kukui
In old Hawaii, children played many simple games that are largely forgotten. Help revive the practice of making and playing the traditional Hawaiian top, hu kukui. Join park rangers and staff from the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and let’s see whose hu kukui can spin the longest! Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon June 8
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
“Lili‘uokalani at Washington Place”
University of Hawaii at Hilo professor Jackie Pualani Johnson performs an amazing one-woman show taken directly from the writings of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the queen’s family and other historical sources. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. June 14
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Halau Na Pua o Uluhaimalama
Halau Na Pua o Uluhaimalama, from Hawaii Island, is dedicated to perpetuating the culture and the art of hula. Led by kumu hula Emery Aceret, a student of the revered kumu hula Ray Fonseca, the halau has participated in many notable hula competitions, including the Merrie Monarch Festival. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (heavenly voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. June 15
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Find Your Park on the Big Screen
Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau is where ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers and defeated warriors once found sanctuary; today the park provides a sanctuary for Hawaiian culture. Hawaii Volcanoes invites everyone to watch two films that highlight Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: John Grabowska’s 16-minute film “Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau: Place of Refuge” and Brad Watanabe’s 12-minute documentary “HiStory: Hawaii Island’s National Parks.”
When: 7 p.m. June 17 (Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park’s cultural festival is June 25)
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day
Calling keiki 17 and younger to join park rangers for a fun day of discovery in the park’s Kahuku Unit. Participants will hike a new trail and learn to weave their own lei. Call 985-6019 to register and sign up for a free lunch by June 2. Bring water, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park, Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Free.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 18
Where: Kahuku Unit
Weave a Ti Leaf lei
Join park rangers and learn to weave a ti leaf lei. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon June 22
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
The Evolution of Landscape Restoration at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Since its establishment in 1916, various attempts to conserve and protect the park’s rich biological resources have been made by the Territory of Hawaii, the National Park Service and citizen scientists — with varying degrees of success. Beginning in 1970, park staff adopted a systematic parkwide approach to managing species and habitats which continues today. Join Chief of Natural Resource Management Dr. Rhonda Loh to learn more about these Special Ecological Areas, or SEAs, and decades of successful restoration in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
When: 7 p.m. June 28
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium