Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, stewardship programs and opportunities to explore the Kahuku Unit during August.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events (https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm) and look for program fliers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Park programs are free to attend and participate in, but entrance fees apply.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
Paniolo: Hawaiian Cowboys
Join Dr. Billy Bergin, local author and expert on Hawaiian ranching and all things paniolo, who will talk about the introduction of cattle to Hawaii in 1793, their protected status and King Kamehameha III’s decision to bring in a dozen or so vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, in 1833. The vaqueros transformed local cattle tenders into the legendary horsemen of Hawaii. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
La‘au Lapa‘au Demonstration
Join Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Ka‘ohu Monfort and learn how local plants are used to nourish and heal. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants including kukui, noni, ‘olena, ki and others. Part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema
Detroit-based musician and composer Andy Jarema is August’s artist-in-residence. This young and innovative composer uses a mix of sound-collage techniques and his trumpet, as well as traditional scoring, to make musical pieces inspired by direct interaction with locales, also known as site-specific work. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
National Park Service Anniversary
Celebrate the 103rd anniversary of America’s best idea with free entrance to all fee-charging national parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona and Haleakala National Park on Maui.
When: Sunday, Aug. 25
Where: All fee-charging national parks in America
Palai‘e Demonstration
Create your own traditional Hawaiian game using natural materials. Pala‘ie, a ball-and-loop game rarely encountered in modern Hawaii, is sometimes played by keiki (children) while chanting ancient mele (song). Join rangers and staff from Hawaii Pacific Parks Association for this fun activity. Part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 28
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Ongoing/monthly 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 at nickem@hawaii.rr.com for more information.
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot on 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 (www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm) for additional planning details.
When: 8:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, and Aug. 10, 16, 24 and 28.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center
• A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar: Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Thomas A. Jaggar. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Tour of the tiny lab located below the 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 your free ticket at Kilauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program.
When: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27
Where: Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center
• Explore Kahuku: The Kahuku Unit is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Take a self-guided hike or join a ranger-guided hike at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sundays. Check the park website (www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-calendar.htm) for hike details. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is 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.