Hawaii National Park, HI - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in June. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association, and your $2 donation helps support park programs. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Volcanic Ash Impacts around the World: Lessons from the Field and Laboratory. What kind of impact does volcanic ash have on farming, agriculture, communities, computers and critical infrastructure? Dr. Tom Wilson, a lecturer of Hazard and Disaster Management in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Canterbury, will discuss what he and his team of scientists have learned researching both short- and long-term ash impacts in New Zealand, and the resiliency of rural and isolated communities to natural disasters. Their research has focused on the impact of recent disasters in the Canterbury region from snowstorm and flooding events, and the assessment of natural hazard risk for isolated communities. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., June 9 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Lito Arkangel in Concert. Join entertainer and songwriter Lito Arkangel as he shares his original compositions and other Hawaiian favorites. A native of the former plantation town of 'Ōla'a (now known as Kea'au), Lito learned music by turning pages for his grandmother as she played piano for the local church. After decades of backyard jam sessions, Lito is now an accomplished full-time entertainer and musician, and just released his debut album, Lito Arkangel…Me ke Aloha, produced by Grammy Award winner Charles Michael Brotman. Lito was a finalist for "Most Promising Artist" at the 2015 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' Nā Leo Manu, "Heavenly Voices" performances. Free.
When: Wed., June 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Silverswords and Lobeliads: Restoring Hawai'i's Marvels of Evolution. The native silversword and lobeliad lineages of Hawai'i are the world's most spectacular examples of plant adaptive radiation, in which single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of descendant species. Yet the two lineages now include some of the world's most critically imperiled plants. Focusing on the Ka'ū silversword and Pele lobeliad as examples, join Dr. Robert Robichaux, distinguished Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona and Founder and President of the Board of Trustees of the Hawaiian Silversword Foundation, as he discusses the highly collaborative, large-scale endangered plant reintroduction efforts on Hawai'i Island. This fascinating presentation illustrates the value of integrating the reintroduction efforts with ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts across large landscapes. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., June 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Ti Leaf Lei Demonstration. Park rangers demonstrate how to make ti leaf lei, one of the most popular traditional lei in Hawai'i. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana No'eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., June 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
