In 2016, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will celebrate 100 years of connecting people to, and caring for, the extraordinary landscape, native plants and animals and Hawaiian culture linked with Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
Starting in January and running each month through December 2016, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will offer a centennial-themed After Dark in the Park program that highlights the natural and cultural resources of the park. The After Dark in the Park series will be offered on a Tuesday, and followed by a complementary hike or excursion the following Saturday to directly connect people to the “resource of the month” and their national park.
“We want to share stories our visitors and local residents may not be aware of through the After Dark in the Park program, then take them out into the field to experience their park in person and on foot,” said park superintendent Cindy Orlando.
For example, on Feb. 23, park botanist Sierra McDaniel and wildlife biologist Jon Faford offer an After Dark in the Park program about the natural and native treasures of the Kahuku Unit. On Feb. 27, Faford and McDaniel will lead a hike to a forested pit crater in Kahuku that provides important habitat for endangered native plant species including haha. Large ‘ohi‘a trees, ‘ama‘u and hapu‘u pulu ferns also thrive in the pit crater.
Hawaiian culture also will be highlighted in the park’s Centennial series. On July 26, park archaeologist Summer Roper will present a talk about the necessity of salt drying for Native Hawaiians. The following Saturday, Roper will lead a hike to Kaena, a prized salt-gathering area along the park’s remote and rugged coast, near the end of Chain of Craters Road.
In August, when Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officially turns 100, park archaeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura will present “The Establishment of Hawaii National Park,” a look at the extraordinary individuals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who were key in creating the national park that then included the summits of Kilauea and Haleakala on Maui.
The following Saturday, park rangers will lead a short walk to the Volcano House, and explain the significant role this iconic lodge, perched on the rim of Kilauea caldera, played in shaping the park’s early history.
“Each of these 12 monthly programs will enlighten participants about the park’s fascinating history and evolution, but will also emphasize the role we all play in shaping our next 100 years,” Orlando said.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Centennial After Dark in the Park and Hike Series is free, and no advance registration is required, but park entrance fees apply.
The series is co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
