Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's May 2017 Events

Paul Field instructs volunteers on vegetation management

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 13, 2017

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

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 volunteer program. 
ADIP 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:

 

Momi Subiono

NPS Photo

Lā‘au Lapa‘au. Delve into the world of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine) with local practitioner, Momi Subiono. Momi uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create awareness, understanding, and use of plants for traditional healing. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., May 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

 

ROD infected tree in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Chain of Craters Road

NPS Photo

Managing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. ‘Ōhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by a new fungal disease, known as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, or ROD. The park is working closely with partners, land managers, scientists, and outreach specialists throughout Hawai‘i to respond to this threat. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist David Benitez will share the lessons we have learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss what we are doing to manage ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free.
When: Fri., May 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Cooper Center in Volcano Village

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, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
When: May 6, 12, 20 and 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.

 

Haunani's Aloha Expressions

NPS Photo

Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. Enjoy an evening of music and hula of Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. With their handmade colorful costumes and lei, these energetic kūpuna (elders) have competed at, and won, various hula festivals. Join us as they bring to life the magic of old Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.
When: Wed., May 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

 

Kōnane. Come play kōnane, an ancient Hawaiian game of strategy! Kōnane is a game reminiscent of checkers, and was once played by all classes of people throughout Hawai‘i. It has become popular again today, and takes great thought and strategy to master. Come test your skills against your friends! Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., May 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

 

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) authorized the creation of a Midway Memorial Marker in May 2013 and on August 12, 2015 the Midway Memorial Marker was officially erected on the island. Laysan albatross in background.

Photo credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Pacific Region/Megan Nagel

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. June 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. It proved to be a turning point of the War in the Pacific. Though the battle itself was waged hundreds of miles out to sea, a tiny atoll halfway between America and Japan played a critical role. Today that atoll is a national wildlife refuge, conserving a dazzling assortment of wildlife and habitat. Join us today and every day as we honor the service of our veterans, their sacrifices, and the wildlife they helped preserve.
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., May 30 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

 

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