Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016 and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in February. ADVERTISING Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is celebrating its 100th
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016 and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in February.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, and a $2 donation helps support park programs. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Mysterious World of Volcanic Caves in 3-D
Mysterious lava tubes are the skeleton of the Hawaiian Islands: They give volcanoes their shield-like shape by acting like pipes to transport lava from its source to the ocean. Where lava tubes go, new land is formed.
Photographers Peter and Ann Bosted have surveyed and photographed lava tubes and share their images in 3-D (glasses provided). Hear how they document, protect and conserve lava tubes.
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 9
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Konane: A Traditional Game of Strategy
Konane is an ancient Hawaiian game reminiscent of checkers and is played with pebbles placed in even lines on a stone or wooden board. It was played by all classes of people and remains popular among Hawaiians.
Come test your strategic skills against your friends and make your own cloth board to play on at home. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Hula Halau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Maunaloa
Come enjoy a breathtaking performance by Halau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Maunaloa, under the direction of kumu hula Meleana Manuel of Volcano.
The halau has participated in many competitions, festivals and events in Hawaii, Japan and on the mainland — all locations where they have branches. The goal is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture, protocol and history through song and dance while instilling confidence, respect and responsibility. Manuel received her ‘uniki from master loea George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Na‘ope. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 17
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Natural Resources of Kahuku
Park botanist Sierra McDaniel and wildlife biologist Jon Faford discuss the natural treasures of the Kahuku Unit, former ranch lands acquired by the National Park Service in 2003, and the challenges of conserving native species such as nene, haha and Mauna Loa silverswords that cling to life here.
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 23
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Centennial Hike: Forested Pit Crater at Kahuku
Park botanist Sierra McDaniel and wildlife biologist Jon Faford lead a moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike to a forested pit crater in the Kahuku Unit that naturally protects rare and endangered Hawaiian plant species such as haha, koli‘i, ha‘iwale and opuhe.
Large ‘ohi‘a, hapu‘u pulu and ‘ama‘u ferns are easily observed in this crater, and other native plants such as ‘olapa, pilo and the Hawaiian raspberry, ‘akala, grow along the trail.
Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. About three hours.
When: 10 a.m. Feb. 27
Where: Meet at the Kahuku Unit visitor contact station. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5.
