Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, stewardship programs and opportunities to explore the Kahuku Unit during June 2019.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events (https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm), and look for program fliers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
Stewardship of Kipukapuaulu
Help remove troublesome plants at Kipukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing 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 for more info: nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays
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. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Younger than 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required.
Visit the park website for additional planning details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: Meet at 8:45 a.m. June 7, 15, 22 and 28.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center.
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar
Walk back to 1912 and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kilauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the Kilauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network.
When: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. June 4, 11, 18 and 25. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Explore Kahuku
The Kahuku Unit is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and is free. Take a self-guided hike or join rangers on Sundays for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. (The trail will vary depending on visitor interest). Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘u, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance.
Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
Kapa kuiki demonstration
Hawaiians learned the basic method of kuiki (quilting) with the arrival of the missionaries in the early 1800s. As the art evolved, so did the patterns, which are inspired by nature.
Cyndy Martinez shares her knowledge about the beautiful art known as kappa kuiki. Part of the park’s “‘Ike Hana No‘eau” (“Experience the Skillful Work”) workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon June 12
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
The Story of the Hawaiian ‘Amakihi
The introduction of avian malaria to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1900s led to devastating declines in many native Hawaiian birds, but not the ‘amakihi. Jon Gabrielle Nunes, Ph.D. student from U.C. Davis, has spent four years studying the mystery of how this endemic little bird appears to be beating this deadly disease on Hawaii Island.
Part of the park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. June 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
June’s artist in residence
New York Times’ best-selling comic journalist, author and artist Andy Warner was selected as the park’s artist in residence for June.
During his residency, Warner plans to explore the human accommodation to life around volcanoes, and parlay personal stories of culture, science and tradition into a long-form nonfiction comic that explores the aftermath and recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption.
Part of the After Dark in the Park series, and co-sponsored by the National Park Arts Foundation.
When: 7 p.m. June 25
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lei ti demonstration
Learn how to twist your own ti leaf lei. Join rangers and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and love of one of the most popular lei in Hawaii. Part of the “‘Ike Hana No‘eau” (“Experience the Skillful Work”) workshops.
When: 10 a.m-noon June 26
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai