Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park July 2013 Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Events

Hawai‘i Consolidated Railway train on the rails between Hilo and the Hamākua Coast

Courtesy of Laupāhoehoe Train Museum

News Release Date: July 12, 2013

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, Hawai'i – 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 July. All programs are free, but park entrance fees may 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:

Hawaiian Hula Presented by Haunani's Aloha Expressions. This entertaining hula group is comprised of native Hawaiian kāne and wāhine kūpuna, or elders, ranging from 70 to over 90 years old. For years, they have shared the aloha spirit by welcoming malihini (visitors) on cruise ships arriving at the Port of Hilo, and at Hilo International Airport. The kūpuna also entertain on a regular basis for the patients at the Life Care Center of Hilo, Hale 'Anuenue, Extended Care, Hawai'i Island Adult Day Care, Aunty Sally Kaleohano Lū'au House Senior Program and more. They won overall at the Kūpuna Hula Festival with the song, Tutu E. They also won the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. They make all of their own colorful costumes and lei, singing and dancing hapa-haole hula and have performed at the park's annual cultural festival on numerous occasions. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing Nā Leo Manu "Heavenly Voices" presentations. Free.
When: Wed., July 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

All Aboard! The Laupāhoehoe Train Museum (www.thetrainmuseum.com) mission is to emphasize the history of railroads in Hawai'i and to preserve, promote, and protect the community interests of the Hilo-Hamākua Coast. Many visitors – and residents – are surprised to learn that there were trains in Hawai'i. Learn the history of the Hawai'i Consolidated Railway (the only standard gauge train in the islands), the impact of the 1946 tsunami, and the development of the train museum which started in 1995. Museum treasurer Doug Connors will discuss the history of the railroad on the island of Hawai'i, the sugar plantations, and the development of the Hamākua Coast. Free.
When: Tues., July 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

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