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.
After Dark 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 November that preserve the history and culture of Hawaii:
Stewardship at the Summit
Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawaii Volcanoes National 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 and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. For additional planning details, visit www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: 8:45 a.m. Nov. 3, 11 (fee-free Veterans Day), 18 and 25
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Return to the Wild: An Update on the ‘Alala Releases
‘Alala Project staff members Jackie Gaudioso-Levita and Rachel Kingsley will present an update on the most recent reintroduction efforts to establish a wild population of ʻalala, the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow. They will be joined by special guests, biologists Paul Banko of the U.S. Geological Survey and Donna Ball of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who will share their past experiences of observing ʻalala in the wild. Come learn more about the recovery of the ʻalala, a highly intelligent and unique crow species, integral to native Hawaiian ecosystems and culture. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 7
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Lau Hala with ‘Aha Puhala o Puna
Discover the skill of weaving lau hala with practitioners from ‘Aha Puhala o Puna. For centuries, Hawaiians have used the hala tree (pandanus) to create many useful and beautiful items. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 8
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Fee-Free Veterans Day Weekend
Hawaii Volcanoes and all fee-charging national parks are waiving entrance fees for Saturday and Sunday to commemorate Veterans Day. Honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military and experience the American heritage by visiting national parks at no charge during Veterans Day weekend.
When: Nov. 11-12
Where: All fee-charging national parks in the U.S.
Journey from Hawaii to Mars
Learn how an “out of this world” lava landscape helps scientists understand how to conduct research on Mars. Darlene Lim of the NASA Ames Research Center in California will discuss the Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains project and how astronauts can use field research performed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to look for signs of microbial life on Mars. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Halau o Akaunu Performance
Come and witness the ‘aiha‘a style of hula born from this volcanic landscape. Akaunu is a Hilo-based halau under the instruction of kumu hula Manaiakalani Kalua. Hula is an expression of the environment, through the dancers’ bodies, and the ‘olapa (dancers) of Akaunu strive to perpetuate traditions passed down from Halau o Kekuhi. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 15
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Kahili Pa‘a Lima Demonstration
Come and create your own small kahili pa‘a lima, a hand-held kahili. Kahili are a form of Hawaiian featherwork that traditionally acknowledged a person’s status and genealogy and offered spiritual protection. They also 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 Nov. 22
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Kilauea Military Camp Detainment Event
Join National Park Service archaeologists, rangers and educators to learn about the experiences of Japanese-American citizens who were detained during World War II at Kilauea Military Camp. While the story of the 1942 mass roundup, eviction and imprisonment of Japanese-Americans on the mainland is well-documented, little is known about the Hawaii detainees and their unique experience. Guided tours of the former detention camp and talk-story sessions with archaeologists and the granddaughter of a detainee are planned along with interpretive photography and displays.
When: Nov. 22
Where: Kilauea Military Camp
