Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary throughout 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in December.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary throughout 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in December.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply for programs in the park. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Hawaii Nei Saturday
Come “Find Your Park” in Hilo and enjoy Hawaii Nei, an annual juried art show at the Wailoa Center that celebrates the native plants and animals of the five national parks on Hawaii Island, and the human connection to these special places. The National Parks Preserving Pilina category celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and features artwork from talented Hawaii Island artists, including a painting titled “Lava Coming to Life on the Coastal Plain” by Hawaii Volcanoes Park Ranger Diana Miller. Visit www.hawaiineiartcontest.org for more information. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Wailoa Center, 200 Piopio St., Hilo
Gorillas, Volcanoes and World Heritage of Virunga National Park
Founded in 1925, Virunga National Park became the first national park on the continent of Africa. Join travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel as she takes the audience on a virtual visit to what has been called “the most biologically significant park in Africa.” Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kapa-Making
Feel the unique texture and beautiful designs of Hawaiian bark cloth created by skilled practitioner Joni Mae Makuakane-Jarrell. Kapa is the traditional cloth used by Native Hawaiians for clothing. Kupu kapa, the skill of creating kapa, is rarely seen today and requires years of practice and labor to master. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 7
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Kilauea Military Camp, Once a Detainment Camp
Most people are unaware that Kilauea Military Camp in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was used as a Japanese detainment camp during World War II. Park archaeologist Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura will discuss the experience and subsequent detention of Japanese-Americans there after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. The last After Dark in the Park series presentation of 2016. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Centennial Hike: Kilauea Military Camp
Park staff will lead a revealing walk through Kilauea Military Camp, used as a Japanese detainment camp during World War II. About an hour. Free.
When: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17
Where: Meet at the flagpole at Kilauea Military Camp
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day
Calling keiki 17 and younger and their families to journey into the past on the new Pu‘u Kahuku Trail in the Kahuku Unit in Ka‘u. Create your own piece of Hawaiian feather work on this day of fun and discovery. Call 985-6019 to register by Friday. Bring lunch, snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. 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.-2 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Kahuku Unit
Find Your Park on the Big Screen: Acadia National Park.
Acadia and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks are thousands of miles apart, but they have much in common. Both parks turned 100 this year, and both are on islands defined by their indigenous host cultures, fascinating geology and intriguing biodiversity. Learn about Maine’s iconic national park in the new film “A Second Century of Stewardship: Science Behind the Scenery in Acadia National Park” by filmmaker David Shaw. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kenneth Makuakane in Concert
Enjoy the melodies of multiple award-winning artist Kenneth Makuakane. His accolades include 15 Na Hoku Hanohano awards and six Big Island Music awards. A prolific songwriter, Makuakane’s compositions have been recorded by artists such as the Brothers Cazimero, Na Leo Pilimehana and many more. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium