September 2015 Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Programs

Date: August 17, 2015
Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

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The musical duo Kūpaoa plays in the park on Sept. 16

Courtesy photo

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 September. 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:

Hawaiian Music Concert by Kūpaoa. Husband-and-wife duo, Kellen and Līhau Paik, have been performing as Kūpaoa for about a decade. Through the years, they have been honored with multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for their four CD releases including Most Promising Artist (2009), Best Liner Notes (2010), Island Music Album of the Year (2014), and Best Hawaiian Language Performance (2014). As lifelong students of Hawaiian language, they enjoy composing and performing their own original songs, in addition to the time-honored favorites loved by all. The word Kūpaoa describes a lasting, permeating fragrance and it is the couple’s hope that their music will linger with you, infusing your heart and mind. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ Nā Leo Manu, “Heavenly Voices” performances. Free.
When: Wed., Sept. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hū Kukui. Children of all ages and their families are invited to learn how to make their own hū kukui, or Hawaiian top, with native kukui nuts. Park rangers will demonstrate this popular Hawaiian pastime, and then keiki can compete to see whose top spins best. The Kahuku ‘Ohana Day Hū Kukui program is offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 but the deadline to register is Sept. 3. Call [phone] by Sept. 3 to sign up for this program, and a free lunch for keiki. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and long pants. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, and Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center. Free. Enter the Kahuku unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. Free.
When: Sat., Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (deadline to register is Sept. 3)
Where: Kahuku Unit 

‘Ohe Kāpala. Learn to craft beautiful designs on a bamboo stamp to embellish cloth. Join park rangers who will share the traditional art of ‘ohe kāpala, bamboo stamping. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai 

Fee-Free Day for National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States, and all fee-charging national parks offer free entry. Many parks and public lands across the nation organize stewardship projects and special programs on NPLD to raise awareness about why it is important to protect our public lands. Check the events page on the park website as the date gets closer to see what volunteer opportunities are available in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
When: Sat., Sept. 26
Where: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death: A House on Fire. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death is a disease caused by a fungus known as Ceratocytis fimbriata. In 2012, it killed ʻōhiʻa trees across about 1,000 hectares (nearly 2,500 acres.) By the summer of 2014, that number had swelled to over 6,000 hectares. Still isolated to the island of Hawaiʻi, researchers have yet to determine the origin of this virulent strain. Join research plant pathologist Lisa Keith of the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Flint Hughes, Research Ecologist with USDA Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and J.B. Friday, University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for an update on this new threat to the native forests of Hawai‘i. Research so far has determined that within two to three years of detection, a majority of trees in some measured stands have succumbed to the disease. This means the fungus has the potential to threaten forests statewide, resembling not so much a tree disease as a house on fire. Don’t miss this important opportunity to learn what you can do to help. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., Sept. 29 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium