Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017. ADVERTISING Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017.
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:
The Unforeseen Consequences of the Hawaiian Sandalwood Trade
The ‘iliahi (sandalwood) trade in the early 19th century launched the Kingdom of Hawaii into the world market. The resulting destruction of the sandalwood forests is well-known. Paul Field, park volunteer and retired professor of history at Windward Community College on Oahu, will discuss how the sandalwood trade impacted relations between commoners and chiefs, altered the concept of mana and led to the first official interference of the U.S. government in the affairs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Weave Coconut Fronds (Ulana Niu)
Learn how to weave coconut fronds into useful and beautiful items with local expert Cathy Gouveia. The coconut palm is one of the most useful and important plants in the world. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon March 8
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Free Hula Performance
Connect to the past and enjoy a free hula performance. Under the direction of kumu hula Ab Kawainohoikala‘i Valencia, Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Kilauea follows a path of learning and protocol that instills the cultures and values of the past so the legacy of Hawaii can continue onward. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. March 15
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Wilderness Hike to Napau Crater
Journey through the wilderness of Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone and experience a breadth of volcanic activity from desolate lava fields and mesmerizing craters, to a lush Hawaiian rain forest. Park ranger Michael Newman leads this challenging 14-mile, seven-hour, round-trip interpretive trek to the edge of Napau Crater. Along the way, peer into massive Makaopuhi Crater, hike over the 1965 and 1969 lava flows to a centuries-old archaeological site, the hapu‘u pulu (fern) processing area, then gaze into massive Napau Crater with Pu‘u ‘O‘o visible in the distance, before hiking back. For more information, call 985-6017. Hikers must bring 4 liters of water per person, lunch and snacks, sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, sunscreen, hat and rain gear. Free.
When: 9 a.m. March 18
Where: Meet at the Mauna Ulu parking lot, off Chain of Craters Road
Make Hu Kukui
In old Hawaii, children played many simple games now largely forgotten. Help revive the practice of making and playing the traditional Hawaiian top, called hu kukui. Let’s see whose hu kukui can spin the longest! Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon March 22
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
After Dark in the Park with Hawaiian Bats
‘Ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bats) are the only true native terrestrial mammals in Hawaii. The Hawaiian hoary bat remains as beautiful as it is elusive. Join USGS bat biologist and researcher Corinna Pinzari as she reveals recent research into bat biology, monitoring, ecology and genetics projects. She also will examine the current status and distribution of this much-beloved and often-maligned native mammal. Free. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. March 28
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
