Everyone is invited to find their park and experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes and more from Ka‘u to Volcano to Hilo.
While Kilauea continues to shake the ground at its ever-changing summit crater, the partial closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues and park rangers are enlightening and engaging visitors at other locations. Rangers offer new and familiar programs at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo, the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village and other locations — free of charge.
Rangers are on duty at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, alongside nonprofit partner the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, at its mall store. Rangers also greet incoming arrivals at Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.
Join the national park at any of the following locations, and take advantage of these upcoming park programs now through Sunday (July 29):
• The Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 in Ka‘u, about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
Entrance and all programs are free.
Kahuku is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Purchase the NPS Passport Book from the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store and get your special Kahuku Unit cancellation stamp.
• The 20-minute Kahuku Orientation Talks introduce natural, cultural and historic attributes of Kahuku to the first-time or been-awhile visitor, and rangers also share the latest Kilauea eruption updates. Orientation talks are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station.
• Kahuku Coffee Talks are informal conversations about a variety of topics. These talks are hosted the last Friday of each month. Ka‘u coffee, tea and pastries are available for purchase. The next talk is Friday (July 27). HVNP Chief Ranger John Broward will present “Mitigating Disaster in National Parks” from 9:30-11 a.m.
• Delve into authentic Hawaiian cultural practices via ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) hourlong programs at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in Kahuku. On Saturday (July 28), park rangers and staff from Hawaii Pacific Parks Association will share their knowledge and passion for lei making in the tightly woven lei haku style.
• Paths and Trails Guided Hike: Explore Kahuku’s newest trail, Pali o Ka‘eo. The first guided hike of the new trail is slated for 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (July 28). Walk along a 2-mile, moderately difficult trail that offers spectacular views of Kahuku. Discover the paths people, animals and plants followed to arrive in this special section of Ka‘u. Can’t make a guided hike but want to get to know Kahuku better? The Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will tailor a customized trek just for you. Visit the Friends website. Proceeds support Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Mokupapapa Discovery Center: Find your park rangers from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo. Rangers provide daily eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hawaii Pacific Parks Association also set up shop and offers a range of educational items, books and souvenirs for sale. The center is located at 76 Kamehameha Ave.
Prince Kuhio Plaza: Come visit park rangers at the new Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store and learn about current volcanic conditions and what’s going on in the park. Proceeds benefit six national park sites in Hawaii and American Samoa. The popular Hilo mall, located at 111 E. Puainako St., opens daily at 10 a.m.
Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus: You can also find your park at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.