Hawaii National Park, HI - Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park (ADIP) programs with the public throughout 2017. In addition, the community is invited to lend a hand to save native rainforest through the park’s Stewardship at the Summit (SAS) volunteer program.
ADIP, SAS and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:
Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required for groups under six people, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for details. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: August 4, 11, 19 and 25 (a fee-free day) at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.
Fee-Free Friday to Celebrate 101st Anniversary of the National Park Service. Step into the 101st anniversary of America’s Best Idea with free entrance to all fee-charging national parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in Kona, and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.
When: Friday, Aug. 25, 2017
Where: All fee-charging parks in the United States
Haku Hulu. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian skill of featherwork. Local practitioner Pilialoha Johnson will introduce the beautiful art form that originally utilized feathers of colorful native birds. Today, Hawaiian featherwork is renowned worldwide. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wed., Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
Kainani Kahaunaele Performs. Enjoy the enchanting mele (music) of Kainani Kahaunaele who shares songs from her albums, Na‘u ‘Oe and ‘Ōhai ‘Ula. Kainani is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning performer originally from Kaua‘i. She now resides in Hilo and teaches Hawaiian language at the university. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices" presentations. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wed., Aug. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Lei Making. Be guided by cultural practitioner and teacher Aolani Ka‘ilihou in the traditional art of Hawaiian lei making. Ascend Pu‘u o Lokuana and learn about the history of the Ka‘ū lands seen from the top. Kids 17 and under and their families must sign up by August 11 to participate. Call 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.
When: Sat., Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration required by Aug. 11).
Where: Kahuku Unit
Volcano 911: Protecting and Serving Visitors of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement rangers are responsible for more than just law enforcement. They also have advanced life-saving skills and are emergency medical technicians, search & rescue specialists, and more. Chief Ranger John Broward reveals what it takes to become an NPS law enforcement ranger, and how the park’s Protection staff work to keep visitors safe on the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tues., Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Make the Hawaiian Game, Pala‘ie. Create your own traditional Hawaiian game with natural materials. Pala‘ie is a ball-and-loop game rarely encountered in modern Hawai‘i. It is sometimes played by keiki while chanting ancient songs. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Aug. 23 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