Park announces upcoming cultural programs

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in May. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:

— Lei Making, Wili-Style: Volcano resident and hula student Kanoe Awong shares the traditional wili style of lei making using liko lehua. Learn how to transform the leaves and flower buds of the ohia lehua tree into beautiful lei. The tree is currently in bloom throughout the park, and its signature red blossom is the official flower of the island of Hawaii. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops; Wednesday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kilauea Visitor Center;

— Whose Footprints Are These Really: Research suggests the story behind the fossilized human footprints in the Ka‘u Desert may be more complex than originally thought. Footprints found in desert ash layers were believed to have been created in 1790 by the army of the Hawaiian Chief Keoua on their way back from battle. While in the area, Kilauea erupted, sending suffocating ash down on one group. Others made it out alive, leaving their footprints in the then-wet ash. The ash dried, forever memorializing this event … or did it? Join Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura as she examines fascinating geologic evidence that may indicate much more prehistoric activity in the area. Part of the ongoing After Dark in the Park series; Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium, and

— Lei Making, Hilo-Style with Ti Leaf: Malia Macabio and Amy Kaawaloa demonstrate how to make the Hilo style of lei by twisting two strands of ti leaves together. Part of park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops; Wednesday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kilauea Visitor Center.