Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Birds and bees, cultural crafts, Hawaiian music await in February

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017.

ADIP 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 in February:

Ethnobiology of Hawaiian Feather Artifacts

Feather artifacts made by a variety of Pacific Island cultures are among the most beautiful of human creations, and it is often said feather objects made by the Hawaiian people are the most stunning in existence. Sheila Conant, professor emerita of the Department of Biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, will discuss various types of feather artifacts, the animals and plants from which they were made and how different types of artifacts were constructed. She also will consider the possible impact of feather collection on native birds. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 7.

Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Twist a Hau Bracelet

Transform hau, used for traditional Hawaiian rope material, into a lovely bracelet and learn how this strong and fibrous native plant has many versatile uses. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.

When: 10 a.m-noon Feb. 8.

Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

The Hylaeus Project and the Newly Endangered Bees of Hawaii

Last October, seven species of hylaeus, the yellow-faced bees of Hawaii, became the first bees to ever be listed as endangered. Natural historian Lisa Schonberg co-authored petitions to get them listed and traveled to Hawaii with visual artist Aidan Koch. The pair documented hylaeus from Kauai to the Ka‘u Desert via music, photography, writing and art to raise awareness of the endemic bees. Schonberg will present their Hylaeus Project, an After Dark in the Park presentation at Hawaii Volcanoes. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 14.

Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Lito Arkangel in Concert

Entertainer and songwriter Lito Arkangel shares his original compositions and other Hawaiian favorites. Arkangel hails from the former sugar plantation town of ‘Ola‘a, now known as Kea‘au. His love for Hawaiian music started as a young keiki, turning pages for his tutu wahine (grandmother) while she played piano, and from decades of backyard jam sessions. Arkangel has since established himself as a popular entertainer throughout Hawaii. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 15.

Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day

Keiki 17 and younger and their families are invited to explore the Upper Palm Trail in the park’s Kahuku Unit, and learn to weave a Hawaiian lei. Call 985-6020 to register by Thursday. Bring lunch, snacks, water, light rain gear, 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. Feb. 18.

Where: Kahuku Unit.

Weave a Ti Leaf Lei

Learn how to create a ti leaf lei, one of the most iconic and popular lei of Hawaii. Park rangers and staff from the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association will lead the instruction and provide the materials. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 22.

Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.