Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in April.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in April.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For more information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, its centennial anniversary or the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, visit www.nps.gov/havo.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events.
Ukulele Basics
Park rangers show the basics of how to play the ukulele, the iconic Hawaiian musical instrument popular among locals and musicians worldwide. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 6
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Return of the ‘Alala
ʻAlala, the Native Hawaiian crow, once lived across Hawaii Island. Because of a variety of threats in the wild, these birds are found only in captivity. Successful captive breeding and conservation efforts have helped to rescue this native species from the brink of extinction. This fall, ʻalala will be returned home to the wild, and these very intelligent birds will take their place once again in Hawaiian forests. Come learn more about the release and recovery of the ʻalala, a beloved and unique bird found nowhere else on Earth.
Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. April 12
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Free Entry During National Park Week
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service this year, all fee-charging national parks in the U.S. will offer nine fee-free days to commemorate the centennial during National Park Week — including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Come and “Find Your Park” at no charge. Hawaii Volcanoes is open 24 hours a day.
When: April 16-24
Where: All fee-charging national parks
Kahuku Ohana Day
Calling all keiki 17 and younger to join park rangers for a fun day of discovery in the park’s Kahuku Unit. Participants will hike the historic lower Palm Trail and learn to make traditional string figures called hei.
Call 985-6019 to register and sign up for a free lunch. Bring water, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park and Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 16
Where: Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 and meet near the parking area.
Hula Performance by Haunani’s Aloha Expressions
This popular, award-winning hula halau is comprised of an all-Hawaiian volunteer group of kane and wahine kupuna (elders) ages 70 to more than 90 years old, singing and dancing hapa-haole mele and hula. They share the aloha spirit with malihini (visitors) on visiting cruise ships and at the Hilo International Airport. The kupuna also entertain patients at many of Hilo’s senior kokua (caring) organizations and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival on several occasions. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (heavenly voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. April 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
What Makes a Species Invasive?
Invasive species are introduced organisms that negatively impact the economy, environment and/or health. They are a leading threat to the world’s biodiversity, contributing to extinctions and the alteration of entire ecosystems, and cost billions of dollars annually. Hawaii has been notoriously and negatively impacted by invasives, but no environment is unaffected. Join park ecologist David Benitez to learn what makes a species invasive, hear about some of the most unwanted invasive species in the park, Hawaii and around the world, and learn what people can do to stop their spread. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Centennial After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. April 26
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Hawaiian Arts & Crafts
Staff from the park’s nonprofit partner, the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, will make and demonstrate how to play the ‘ohe hano ihu (Hawaiian nose flute). In addition, visitors can learn to create beautiful designs on a bamboo stamp, or ‘ohe kapala. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (experience the skillful work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon April 27
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Centennial Hike: Save the Summit Understory
Join park volunteers Paul and Jane Field and lop invasive Himalayan ginger from the Native Hawaiian rain forest at the summit of Kilauea. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided.
When: 9 a.m. April 30
Where: Meet near the flagpole outside Kilauea Visitor Center