Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in July. ADVERTISING Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in July.
All After Dark and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.
This year is the centennial anniversary for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the National Park Service. To find out what’s happening throughout 2016, visit www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm. To find centennial events at other national parks, visit FindYourPark.com.
Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Centennial Hike: Kipukapuaulu
Rhonda Loh leads an easy 1.2-mile hike through Kipukapuaulu, the park’s inaugural special ecological area. This forested area is considered a “hot spot” of biological diversity with more native tree species per acre than any other forest in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The essence of this treasured habitat is captured in its name: kipuka (island of ancient vegetation surrounded by a sea of younger lava flows), pua (flower) and ulu (growing) — a fertile oasis of flourishing plants.
Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. About two hours.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu trail head
Kapili Manu and Haku Hulu – Hawaiian Bird Catching and Feather Work
Join park ranger Noah Gomes and learn about the historic art of catching beautiful and unique birds for featherwork in Hawaii. Create a small piece of featherwork for yourself. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
What’s Buggin’ the Mountain?
The alpine and subalpine environments on Mauna Kea support a diversity of native and endemic insects. Heather Stever and Jessica Kirkpatrick present their thesis research on the diversity of insects on different plant types in the subalpine community, and the distribution of wekiu bugs on cinder cones in the alpine stone desert. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. July 12
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Kanaka Tree performs
Come and listen to Hawaiian music by Kanaka Tree. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ohana will blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. July 20
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Salt Production Sites Along the Rugged Park Coastline
Park archaeologist Summer Roper reveals the importance and history of paakai (salt) production sites in the park. An After Dark in the Park program.
When: 7 p.m. July 26
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium
Ku‘i Kalo – Pound Poi
Made from the root of the kalo plant, poi is the traditional staple of the Hawaiian diet. Experience this nutritious and special food. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-noon July 27
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai
Centennial Hike: Salt Production Sites
Join park archaeologist Summer Roper on a 2-mile round-trip hike to the extensive remnants of paakai gathering sites along the coast, and learn how the residents of this area used a unique method to extract the salt – a crucial resource to sustaining life on this dense lava landscape.
Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended. About 90 minutes, moderately easy, expect hot and dry summer conditions.
When: 9 am. July 30
Where: Meet at the parking lot after Pu‘u Loa petroglyph trail head, on Chain of Craters Road
