Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Centennial Events for April 2016

‘Alalā at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center

Photo courtesy San Diego Zoo/R.Kohley

News Release Date: March 15, 2016

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, HI – Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, and continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park (ADIP) programs with the public in April. All ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:

 

Ranger Noah Demonstrates ‘Ukulele

NPS Photo

'Ukulele Basics. Park rangers show the basics of how to play the 'ukulele, the iconic Hawaiian musical instrument popular among locals and musicians worldwide. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana No'eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., April 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

The Return of the 'Alalā. ʻAlalā, the native Hawaiian crow, once lived across Hawaiʻi Island. Now, due to a variety of threats in the wild, these birds are found only in captivity. Successful captive breeding and conservation efforts have helped to rescue this native Hawaiian species from the brink of extinction. This fall, ʻalalā will be returned home to the wild, and these very intelligent birds will take their place once again in our Hawaiian forests. Come learn more about the release and recovery of the ʻalalā, a beloved and unique bird found nowhere else on earth. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., April 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Free Entry During National Park Week. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service this year, all fee-charging national parks in the U.S. will offer nine fee-free days to commemorate the centennial during National Park Week– including Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Come and Find Your Park at no charge! Hawai'i Volcanoes is open 24 hours a day.
When: April 16-24, 2016
Where: All fee-charging national parks

Kahuku 'Ohana Day. Calling keiki 17 and younger to join park rangers for a fun day of discovery in the park's Kahuku Unit on Sat., April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will hike the historic lower Palm Trail, and learn to make traditional string figures called hei. Call [phone] to register and sign up for a free lunch by March 31. Bring water, a re-usable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park and Queen Liliuokalani Children's Center. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area.
Free.

Hula Performance by Haunani's Aloha Expressions. This popular, award-winning hula hālau is comprised of an all-Hawaiian volunteer group of kāne and wāhine kūpuna (elders) 70 to over 90 years old, singing and dancing hapa-haole mele and hula. They share the aloha spirit with malihini (visitors) on visiting cruise ships, and at the Hilo International Airport. The kūpuna also entertain patients at many of Hilo's senior kōkua (caring) organizations, and have performed at the park's annual cultural festival on several occasions. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing Nā Leo Manu "Heavenly Voices" presentations. Free.
When: Wed., April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

 

Volunteer Will pays ‘ohe hana ihu (Hawaiian nose flute)

NPS Photo

Centennial Series After Dark in the Park: What Makes a Species Invasive? Invasive species are introduced organisms that negatively impact our economy, environment and/or our health. They are a leading threat to the world's biodiversity, contributing to extinctions and the alteration of entire ecosystems, and cost billions of dollars annually. Hawai'i has been notoriously and negatively impacted by invasives, but no environment is unaffected. Join Park Ecologist David Benitez to learn what makes a species invasive, hear about some of the most unwanted invasive species in the park, Hawai'i and around the world, and learn what you can do to stop their spread.
When: Tues., April 26, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Hawaiian Arts & Crafts. Staff from the park's nonprofit partner, the Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association, will make, and demonstrate how to play, the 'ohe hano ihu (Hawaiian nose flute). In addition, visitors can learn to create beautiful designs on a bamboo stamp, or 'ohe kāpala. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana No'eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., April 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Centennial Hike: Save the Summit Understory. Join Park Volunteers Paul & Jane Field and lop invasive Himalayan ginger from the native Hawaiian rainforest at the summit of Kīlauea. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided.
When: Sat., April 30, 2016 at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet near the flagpole outside Kīlauea Visitor Center

2016 is the centennial anniversary for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and the year-long Centennial After Dark in the Park & Hike Series. To find out what's happening throughout 2016, visit the park website. It's also the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. To find centennial events at other national parks, visit FindYourPark.com.

-NPS-