Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public each month throughout 2017.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public each month 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 July:
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 for groups fewer than six people, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for details.
When: 9 a.m. July 1, 7, 15, 21 and 29.
Where: Meet project leaders at Kilauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.
37th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz
Everyone is invited to engage in authentic Hawaiian cultural practices and learn how Hawaiians live closely to the land as its stewards. Enjoy hula and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art and try your hand at Hawaiian crafts. This year’s festival again will include a “BioBlitz,” a chance to join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover the biodiversity that thrives in the park.
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (BioBlitz activities) and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Cultural Festival) Saturday.
Where: Kilauea Military Camp, about 1 1/2 miles from the park entrance.
What We Can Do Now to Data Recorded Way Back When
Now in its second century of operation, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has fully embraced digital data recording and analysis. As technologies evolve, the challenge is to apply contemporary digital analysis techniques to historic paper seismic records. Join USGS HVO geophysicist Paul Okubo as he describes a current look into seismograms from HVO’s first 100 years. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. July 11.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Lei-Making Demo
Join local cultural practitioner Pua O’Mahoney and learn to make traditional Hawaiian lei with natural materials that include leaves, flowers and more. The beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, rituals, gifts and as an expression of love and celebration. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 10 a.m.-noon July 12.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Na Wai Chamber Choir Performs
Revel in music that honors the traditions, sacred places, mythology and legacies of Hawaii Island. Based in Honolulu, Na Wai Chamber Choir is a professional women’s vocal ensemble that celebrates the works of women, preserves and propagates Native Hawaiian music past and present, and champions innovative repertoire for treble voices. Jace Kaholokula Saplan leads the choir on their Moku o Keawe tour. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. July 18.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Halau Na Pua o Uluhaimalama Performance
Halau Na Pua o Uluhaimalama, from Hawaii Island, is a hula dance troupe that perpetuates the culture and arts of hula. They are led by kumu hula Emery Aceret, a student of the revered kumu hula Ray Fonseca, and they have participated in many notable hula competitions. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. July 19.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
“Vespers at Hanaiakamalama”
“Vespers at Hanaiakamalama” is an amazing one-woman show about the life of Queen Emma. University of Hawaii at Hilo performing arts graduate Denyse Woo-Ockerman brings the audience into Queen Emma’s home as she contemplates her eventual life, rich in family history and the weight of unexpected tragedy. Married to King Kamehameha IV, Alexander Liholiho, Emma reveals her resilience as they attempt to build, side by side, a better life for all Hawaiians during a time of great change in the islands. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. July 25.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
‘Ohe Kapala Demonstration
Learn to create designs from traditional patterns using bamboo stamps (‘ohe kapala). Originally used to decorate clothing with symbolic meaning, we now use ‘ohe kapala to tell stories on a wide variety of modern materials. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon July 26.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.