Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks and other programs throughout May.
In addition, everyone is invited to lend a hand to save native rain forest through the park’s volunteer stewardship opportunities.
Park programs are free, but 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
Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a 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. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required for volunteers younger than 18. For additional planning details, visit www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: 8:45 a.m. May 5, 11, 19 and 25
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.
Stewardship of Kipukapuaulu
Help remove troublesome plants at Kipukapuaulu, home to an astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info: nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays (May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31)
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.
Return to Abundance: A Vision for Healthy Oceans
Conservation International Hawaii is a local nongovernmental organization focused on ocean health and abundance in Hawaii. Join Kehau Springer as she describes how CI Hawaii works collaboratively to revitalize pono (responsible) Hawaiian fishing values and practices. Learn how the organization promotes social equity and cultural connections and cultivates future generations of stewards. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. May 8
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar
Walk back to 1912 and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kilauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. You’ll learn what motivated Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Supported by the Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm.
When: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (each performance is about an hour).
Where: Meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center
Lei Hulu Demonstration
Witness the fine skill required to make lei hulu (feather lei). Acclaimed artist Kilohana Domingo will demonstrate his mastery of this intricate art. His feather lei are beautiful and highly sought to adorn papale (hats) and other uses. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 16
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop
Join park rangers and Hawaii Pacific Park Association staff in the Kahuku Unit and learn how to play simple, fun songs on the ukulele. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 18
Where: Kahuku Unit
Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction
Park botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. The native silversword and lobeliads of Hawaii are spectacular examples of adaptive radiation, in which single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of species – some of which are the world’s most critically imperiled plants. Learn how park managers have partnered with public and private organizations to bring these species back from the brink of extinction. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. May 29
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration
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. Have an authentic cultural experience and join rangers and staff from the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and ku‘i kalo! Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon May 30
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai