“Hilina‘i Puna, Kalele ia Ka‘u” (Puna leans and reclines on Ka‘u) is the theme of the 37th annual Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival &BioBlitz from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 8 at Kilauea Military Camp.
The free event celebrates the two land districts that comprise the national park. People of all ages and districts are invited to enjoy a day of traditional mele (music), hula and Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, crafts and games. This year’s festival again includes a “BioBlitz,” a chance to join scientists and cultural practitioners in the field and discover the diversity of biology, geology and culture of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The talented lineup of performers includes Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, with dancers presenting their powerful hula kahiko, and kupuna hula group Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. Renowned solo musicians Kenneth Makuakane and Lito Arkangel will sing and play instruments, and the “Songbird of Miloli‘i,” Aunty Diana Aki, closes the festival.
Keiki to kupuna can participate in authentic Hawaiian cultural activities such as ku‘i kalo (pounding poi), lomilomi (massage), ‘ohe kapala (Hawaiian bamboo stamping), play Hawaiian games, discover la‘au lapa‘au (medicine from plants), make a small kahili (feather standard), weave lei and more.
The BioBlitz expert-led field inventories will be offered, and include Birds of Kilauea by Sight and Sound; Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula (Plants of Hula), an ADA-friendly inventory, Hawaiian Adze Production and more. Free registration is available through the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website, www.fhvnp.org.
Visitors can learn more about conservation and biodiversity through fun, interactive exhibits sponsored by many of Hawaii’s leading conservation organizations on the festival grounds.
The BioBlitz field inventories are from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cultural festival is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Entrance into the park and all events are free.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring water, rain jacket and ground mat or chair. No pets. Lunch and beverages will be available for sale. The family experience is a drug- and alcohol-free event.
