Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017.
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.
ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
La‘au Lapa‘au
Delve into the world of la‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine) with practitioner Momi Subiono. Subiono uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create awareness, understanding and use of plants for traditional healing. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Managing Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
‘Ohi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by a fungal disease known as rapid ‘ohi‘a death, or ROD. The park is working closely with partners, land managers, scientists and outreach specialists throughout Hawaii to respond to this threat. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ecologist David Benitez will share lessons the park learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss what is being done to manage ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free.
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cooper Center in Volcano Village
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: 9 a.m. May 12, 20 and 26
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at 8:45 a.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center on any of the work dates.
Haunani’s Aloha Expressions
Enjoy an evening of music and hula by Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. With their handmade colorful costumes and lei, these energetic kupuna (elders) have competed at, and won, various hula festivals. Watch them bring to life the magic of old Hawaii. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. May 17
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Konane
Come play konane, an ancient Hawaiian game of strategy. Konane is a game reminiscent of checkers, and was once played by all classes of people throughout Hawaii. It has become popular again today, and takes great thought and strategy to master. Come test your skills against your friends! Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway
June 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. It proved to be a turning point of the War in the Pacific. Though the battle itself was waged hundreds of miles out to sea, a tiny atoll halfway between America and Japan played a critical role. Today that atoll is a national wildlife refuge, conserving a dazzling assortment of wildlife and habitat. Join us today and every day as we honor the service of our veterans, their sacrifices, and the wildlife they helped preserve. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. May 30
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium