Hawaii Volcanoes National Park welcomes April visitors with a flurry of opportunities to celebrate the 55th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival and National Park Week.
Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Many programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events, and download event flyers from the park website.
Special Merrie Monarch Festival events
Join us as we celebrate and honor Hawaiian culture and the 55th Merrie Monarch Festival, the annual hula competition in Hilo. Practitioners will share demonstrations on kapa (traditional Hawaiian bark cloth), konane (Hawaiian checkers) and na lei (lei making). Enjoy live Hawaiian music by Kenneth Makuakane. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Volunteer at Kipukapuaulu
Help remove invasive plants at Kipukapuaulu, home to an astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays (today, April 12, 19 and 26)
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.
Stewardship at the Summit
Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a 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. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required for those younger than 18. Visit the park website for additional planning details at www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: 8:45 a.m. April 7, 13, 21 (a fee-free day and National Volunteer Day) and 27
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.
Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Ahupua‘a: Successes and Challenges of Restoring Endangered Dry Forests of Kona
Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a coordinator Elliott Parsons from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife will discuss ongoing conservation efforts and lessons learned. He will discuss threats to the endangered lowland dry forests and how new technology is being used to mitigate those threats. Learn more about the area’s rich biological diversity and how you can help conserve Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a for future generations. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. April 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lau Hala Demonstration
Learn to weave lau hala with practitioners from ‘Aha Puhala o Puna. For centuries, Hawaiians have woven lau (leaves) from the hala (pandanus) tree into many useful and beautiful items. Come create and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 11
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
He‘e Holua Ki (Ti Leaf Sled)
Join rangers and staff from the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and race down Pu‘u o Lokuana hill in Kahuku using he‘e holua ki (ti leaf sled). Speed and agility are needed for this traditional Hawaiian game. Come test your courage and will. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Enter Kahuku near mile marker 70.5 on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 20
Where: Kahuku Unit
National Park Week and Fee-Free Saturday
Come celebrate National Park Week at your national parks. This year’s theme is “Park Stars.” Hawaii Volcanoes is planning a star-studded lineup of events, including a nighttime star party, guided hikes that reveal our “star” trails, ranger-led adventures, Kahuku programs, volunteer opportunities and more. Stay tuned for more details.
When: April 21 (fee-free date) through April 29
Where: All fee-charging national parks are free, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona and Haleakala National Park on Maui.
Getting a Handle on Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death
Rapid ‘ohia death, or ROD, is a threat to ‘ohi‘a forests islandwide, including many heavily visited areas in the park. Scientists working on the disease have now learned a lot about the fungus, how it spreads to new areas and how it might be treated. J.B. Friday, extension forester with the University of Hawaii, will share the current understanding of ROD, how affected forests are being managed and what you can do to avoid spreading the disease. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. April 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kahili Demonstration
Create your own small kahili pa‘a lima, a hand-held feather standard. Kahili are a form of Hawaiian featherwork that traditionally acknowledged a person’s status and genealogy and offered spiritual protection. They are beautiful examples of Hawaiian art. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 25
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai