Hawaii Volcanoes National Park this month continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks and stewardship programs.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events and look for program fliers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kilauea Visitor Center (www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm).
The park is open 24 hours a day. Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
Stewardship of Kipukapuaulu
Help remove troublesome plants at Kipukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing 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 information at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
When: 9:30 a.m. every Thursday (Feb. 14, 21 and 28)
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.
Stewardship at the Summit
Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Younger than 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details (https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm).
When: Meet at 8:45 a.m. today and Feb. 15 and 23.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center.
A Walk into the Past with Thomas A. Jaggar
Walk back to 1912 and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, 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 takes audiences on a tour of his tiny lab located below Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kilauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space.
When: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 12) and Feb. 19 and 26. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Climbing Waterfalls: Freshwater Fauna of the Pacific Islands
Learn about the unique underwater world of streams in Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa and the amazing animals that call them home. These animals have special adaptations that allow them to live part of their lives in the ocean and even climb 400-foot waterfalls. Join Anne Farahi of the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring program to learn more about long-term monitoring of these important ecosystems.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 12)
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lau Hala Weaving Demonstration
Learn to weave lau hala with leaves (lau) from the ‘Aha Puhala o Puna weaving club. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree for centuries to create many useful and beautiful items. Come create and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday (Feb. 13)
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Volcanoes at the Movies
Join volcanologists Cheryl Gansecki and Ken Hon from the University of Hawaii at Hilo as they examine (and possibly make fun of) the history of volcanoes portrayed in the movies. From “The Last Days of Pompeii” to “Mount Doom” and beyond, how realistic are cinematic volcanic eruptions? How likely is lava in Los Angeles or New York? What is it with flaming rocks anyway? And why do they explode? Come be entertained and learn a little more about genuine and completely fake volcanic phenomena.
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Hu (kukui nut top) Demonstration
Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusements and relaxing. Top spinning was an absorbing activity for children, and making hu was equally engaging. Join rangers and staff from Hawaii Pacific Parks Association as they share their knowledge and love of this popular Hawaiian traditional art. Part of ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 27
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai