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.
After Dark, stewardship 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 in June:
I, Mosquito: Our Changing World
As global climate change shifts the distribution of mosquitoes, diseases once thought to be limited to the tropics are now seen far from the equator. From dengue fever to zika virus, our changing world is reflecting a new “normal” for regions previously unaffected. Join USGS research biologist Dennis LaPointe, Ph.D. as he takes us through the life cycle of one of the planet’s most maligned insects — the mosquito. While sharing information from recent wildlife studies in Hawaii and sobering projections of the future, LaPointe offers practical advice and innovative adaptive strategies for coping with our changing world. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. June 6
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Managing Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
‘Ohi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by a new 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 the lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss what the park is doing to manage ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. June 13
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lei Hulu (Feather Lei Making) demonstration
Witness the fine skill in making lei hulu (feather lei). Renowned artist Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his mastery of this intricate Hawaiian art form. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon June 14
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hawaiian Healing Practices
Join us at Pu‘u Lokuana as we delve into the basics of Hawaiian healing methods. In the afternoon, an expert in children’s lomilomi (Hawaiian massage), Ka‘anohi Pe‘a, will demonstrate this ancient wellness technique still practiced today. Keiki 17 and younger and their families must sign up by June 8 by calling 985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, a ball cap, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70- and 71-mile markers on Highway 11.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 17
Where: Kahuku Unit
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. Visit the park website for additional planning details at www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: 9 a.m. June 3, 9, 17 and 23
Where: Meet project leaders at Kilauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.
Hawaiian Music Concert with Komakakino
Enjoy the sweet falsetto harmonies of Hawaii Island-born and raised musical group Komakakino. These talented young men share a love of hula, Hawaiian culture and singing traditional mele (songs) in the Hawaiian language. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. June 21
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Papale (Hat) Workshop
Come and weave a hat from coconut leaves that will keep you looking and feeling cool this summer. The coconut palm is one of the most versatile, useful and prized plants throughout the Pacific Ocean. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon June 28
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai