The following events are occurring this month in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park calendar for more information.
Anchialine Pools: Windows to Hidden Hawaii. Anchialine pools are one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth that few people know exist. These coastal pools provide critical habitat for ‘opae ‘ula (endemic shrimp) and other native species, and Hawaii Island is home to 650 of the 700 anchialine pools in the state. Join Anne Farahi, lead aquatic biologist for the National Park Service Pacific Island Network Inventory &Monitoring division and anchialine enthusiast and park ranger Dean Gallagher on a virtual plunge into hidden Hawaii. Part of HVNP’s ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs, and sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Free admission, and Ka‘u coffee will be available for sale.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station.
The Battle of the Bitter Rain. It was a time of feathered capes, shark-toothed clubs, and long spears. A time when warring chiefs battled for control of the islands. One such fierce battle took place partially within what is today HVNP. Join retired park ranger Jay Robinson as he transports us back to a time when control of the island of Hawaii teetered on the brink at a place and time known as the Battle of the Bitter Rain. Part of HVNP’s ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.
Living History at Kahuku: Nani O Kahuku. Re-live a day on the Kamehameha Schools’ historic Kahuku Ranch and join us for a one-woman living history play performed by Alya-Joy Kanehailua. The in-situ performance is based on a journal written by Hannah Pi‘ilani Jones, daughter of George Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. Free. Performances are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and reservations are required. Email Wendy Vance, wendy_scott-vance@nps.gov to reserve your seat and for detailed directions.
When: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27.
Where: Kamehameha Schools Kahuku Ranch property.