March events at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park include a Hawaiian healing plants demonstration, taiko drumming, a talk about food security and aquaculture in Hawaii, in addition to ranger-led programs, a fierce Kahuku coffee talk and more!
All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park website and calendar for more information.
La‘au Lapa‘au – Healing with Plants and Spirituality. Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Momi Subiono shares 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. Free, but park entrace fees apply. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Ohi‘a Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kilauea Visitor Center)
Puna Taiko Live in Concert. Come experience the thunderous sounds and stunning stylized choreography of traditional Japanese drumming with the Puna Taiko drum group under the direction of Paul Sakamoto. Puna Taiko specializes in kumi-daiko (ensemble) style and their art is a celebrated symbol of heritage and culture for the Japanese American community. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Keouaku‘ahu‘ula &Kamehameha: Cousins and Bitter Rivals. Hawaiian warriors fought fierce battles throughout Ka‘u in the late 1700s. Keouaku‘ahu‘ula, beloved son of Ka‘u and heir apparent of his father, Chief Kalaniopu‘u, struggled to regain control of Hawaii Island from his cousin and rising king, Kamehameha. Join retired Park Ranger and Ka‘u resident Jay Robinson to hear about the hand-to-hand combat in the Battle of the Bitter Rain and the Battle of the Stolen Cannon, two brutal battles between the cousins that raged in our backyards. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs, and sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Free admission, and Ka‘u coffee will be available for sale.
When: Saturday, March 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
The Role of Aquaculture in Addressing Food Security in Hawaii. Hawaii has a long history of aquaculture. Loko i‘a, or fishponds, sustained Native Hawaiians when wild fish and birds were not easily captured. Today, aquaculture plays a larger role in the local diet. Learn how the growth of aquaculture, both on land and in the open ocean, will ensure a sustainable source of high-quality, safe, native fish.
Dick Jones, CEO of Blue Ocean Mariculture located off the Kona Coast and the only open-ocean finfish aquaculture company in the U.S. is the featured speaker. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium