Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and music with the community and visitors in December. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Hawaiian ‘Ukulele Demonstration. Join Oral Abihai as he shares his passion for making ‘ukulele from discarded or naturally fallen pieces of wood. Learning only several years ago in Lahaina from Kenny Potts, he has since made more than 50 ‘ukulele. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
John Keawe in Concert. The return of cool December nights means the return of a special holiday concert with kiho‘alu (slack-key) guitarist, composer and recording artist, John Keawe. John, a native of Hawai‘i Island, is a self-taught slack-key guitarist with numerous recordings to his credit, as well as multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Hawai‘i Music awards. John is also a recipient and a contributing artist on the first Hawaiian music Grammy Award (2005). The concert is always well-attended, so come early for seating. John’s CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. This program, which also features hula performed by John’s wife, Hope, was produced by the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, and your $2 donation helps support After Dark programs.
When: Tues., Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kenneth Makuakāne Live in Concert. Join 12-time Nā Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Kenneth Makuakāne as he shares songs from his latest albums, The Dash, White Bath Tub, Makuakāne, and other compositions. A prolific songwriter, his songs are performed at the Merrie Monarch Festival and his music is featured on the soundtracks for motion pictures including Honeymoon in Las Vegas and Parent Trap in Paradise. Kenneth is widely recognized as an innovator in Hawaiian music and has more than 100 albums to his producing credit. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices" presentations. Free.
When: Wed., Dec. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Find posters of these events online: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/events.htm.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
