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 September.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events (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, but entrance fees apply.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
Wildfire Recovery and Restoration
On Aug. 5, 2018, a wildfire ignited near the park, burning nearly 4,000 acres. More than 100 people from different organizations worked together to suppress the Keauhou Fire. Park botanist Sierra McDaniel will discuss recovery and restoration efforts, as the fire provided an opportunity to restore biodiversity, control invasive plants and build fire resilience by planting fire-tolerant native species. In a warmer, drier world, wildfires are expected to be more frequent. This project illustrates the value of preparing for wildfire events. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Hawaiian Cultural Artifacts in the 21st Century
Using simple tools, Hawaiians shaped, carved, wove, braided and fashioned items essential for everyday life. From fishhooks to feathered capes, poi pounders to canoe hulls, children’s toys to the weapons of war, the skillful work of the Hawaiian people can be seen in the artifacts they left behind. Today, using traditional and modern tools, a new generation of skilled craftsmen carry on these traditions. Join Rangers Keoni Kaholoʻaʻa and Rick LaMontange for an incredible opportunity to see and touch 21st century Hawaiian artifacts. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Hoʻoponopono
Making right, more right the path, is the Hawaiian traditional method for “reconnecting” self to self-greatness in the ancient Hawaiian teachings, and pragmatic values within the aloha spirit. Join Aunty Mahealani Kuamoʻo-Henry and friends and journey through the teachings of Ho’opono Pono Ke Ala. Part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 11
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
New Discoveries in Hawaii Lava Tubes
Meet the remarkable animals living beneath your feet. Join Megan Porter, cave biologist and University of Hawaii associate professor, in learning about what lives in Hawaiian lava tubes. Porter will introduce you to the unique community of lava tube animals found on the Big Island and how these species are intimately linked to native forests on the surface. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kanaka Tree in Concert
Come listen to Hawaiian music by Kanaka Tree. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ohana blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies. Part of the ongoing Na Leo Manu — Heavenly Voices series.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kahuku Ohana Day
Everyone is invited to find their park and experience live music, family-friendly activities, hikes and more.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Kahuku Unit located by mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11
Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence Alan Olejniczak
September’s artist-in-residence, playwright and librettist Alan Olejniczak, will present excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawaii Island. Olejniczak’s operatic verses and performances usually center around human impacts on the environment, but his work during his residency in the park will incorporate active volcanoes and other natural forces beyond our control. Part of the After Dark in the Park series.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Pu ʻohe Demonstration
The pū ʻohe is the Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. With a deep sound similar to a conch shell and like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association partners as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū ʻohe. Part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 25
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 National Park 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 8:45 a.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center. 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. No advance registration is required. Volunteers also will receive a pass to return and enjoy the park fee-free on another day of their choosing.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28.
Where: Participating public lands nationwide; visit www.neefusa.org for details
ONGOING 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
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 (www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm) for additional planning details.
When: 8:45 a.m. Sept. 6, 14, 20 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, at the edge of Kilauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Tour Jaggar’s 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 a free ticket 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. Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24
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 rangers at 9:30 a.m. Sundays for a two-hour guided trek (the trail will vary depending on visitor interest). Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located 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.