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 and enjoy a fee-free day on Sept. 30, National Public Lands Day.
The After Dark, stewardship and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Stewardship at the Summit
Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plants 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, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for details.
When: Sept. 15, 22 and 30.
Where: Meet project leaders at Kilauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.
Ke Kapili Manu Kahiko: Traditional Hawaiian Bird Catching
How did ancestral Hawaiians interact with our native birds? Much has been forgotten about traditional Hawaiian relationships with the ‘aina. Park Ranger Noah Gomes has researched traditional Hawaiian bird catching from a variety of sources. He will share some of what he has learned through years of research in pursuit of his M.A. degree in Hawaiian language and literature from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
The Hawaiian Lei
Create your own beautiful lei with skilled lei maker No‘eau Kalima. Traditional lei are crafted with a variety of natural materials, including leaves and flowers. 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.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 13
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Hlau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Maunaloa
Listen to the sweet sounds and watch the graceful dancing of Halau Ke ‘olu Makani o Maunaloa. Led by kumu hula Meleana Manuel, they strive to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture through mele (song) and hula. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
HI-SEAS Mission V: What It’s Like to Live on Mars
HI-SEAS, Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, is a habitat for a crew of six on an isolated Mars-like site high on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The NASA-funded project aims to help determine the individual and team requirements for long-duration space exploration missions, including interplanetary travel to Mars. Join Mission V crew member Brian Ramos as he describes what it’s like living and working in the habitat for eight months. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 26
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Ku‘i Kalo
Make poi, the staple food of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and pounded (ku‘i) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. Park rangers will share their knowledge of kalo at this authentic cultural experience. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 27
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Join us at Hawaii Volcanoes and help ensure the future of the Hawaiian rain forest. Volunteers will help remove invasive, non-native plants that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. 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. Park entrance is free, and NPLD volunteers will receive a pass to return and enjoy the park fee-free on another day of their choosing.
When: 8:45 a.m.-noon Sept. 30
Where: Participating public lands nationwide. For details, visit www.neefusa.org.