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.
In addition, the community is invited to lend a hand to save native rain forest through the park’s Stewardship at the Summit volunteer program.
The After Dark, stewardship and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events in August:
Stewardship at the Summit
Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required for groups fewer than six people. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more details, visit www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: 9 a.m. Aug. 4, 11, 19 and 25 (a fee-free day).
Where: Meet project leaders at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates at the Kilauea Visitor Center.
Fee-Free Friday to Celebrate 101st Anniversary of National Park Service
Step into the 101st anniversary of “America’s best idea” with free entrance to all fee-charging national parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona and Haleakala National Park on Maui.
When: Aug. 25
Where: All fee-charging parks in the United States.
Haku Hulu
Learn about the ancient Hawaiian skill of featherwork. Local practitioner Pilialoha Johnson will introduce the beautiful art form that originally used feathers of colorful native birds. Today, Hawaiian featherwork is renowned worldwide. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 9.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Kainani Kahaunaele Performs
Enjoy the enchanting mele (music) of Kainani Kahaunaele, who shares songs from her albums, “Na‘u ‘Oe” and “‘Ohai ‘Ula.” Kahaunaele is a Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning performer originally from Kauai. She now resides in Hilo and teaches Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 16.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Lei Making
Be guided by cultural practitioner and teacher Aolani Ka‘ilihou in the traditional art of Hawaiian lei making. Ascend Pu‘u o Lokuana and learn about the history of the Ka‘u lands seen from the top. Children 17 and younger and their families must sign up by Aug. 11 to participate. Call 985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70- and 71-mile markers on Highway 11.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 19 (registration required by Aug. 11).
Where: Kahuku Unit.
Volcano 911: Protecting and Serving Visitors of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
National Park Service law enforcement rangers are responsible for more than just law enforcement. They also have advanced lifesaving skills and are emergency medical technicians, search and rescue specialists and more. Chief Ranger John Broward reveals what it takes to become an NPS law enforcement ranger and how the park’s protection staff work to keep visitors safe on the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 22.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Make the Hawaiian Game, Pala‘ie
Create your own traditional Hawaiian game with natural materials. Pala‘ie is a ball-and-loop game rarely encountered in modern Hawaii. It is sometimes played by keiki while chanting ancient songs. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 23.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.