News Release

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park August 2019 Events

Hikers explore the 1868 lava flow in Kahuku.

NPS Photo/Janice Wei

News Release Date: July 17, 2019

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, stewardship programs and opportunities to explore the Kahuku Unit during August 2019. 

Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kilauea Visitor Center: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.  

Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: 

Paniolo: Hawaiian Cowboys. Join Dr. Billy Bergin, local author and expert on Hawaiian ranching and all things paniolo. Dr. Bergin will talk about the introduction of cattle to Hawai‘i in 1793, their protected status, and King Kamehameha III’s decision to bring in a dozen or so vaqueros (Mexican cowboys) in 1833. The vaqueros transformed local cattle tenders into the legendary horsemen of Hawai‘i – including the iconic Jack Purdy and John Palmer Parker, whose cattle operations still exist today. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, August 6 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

La‘au Lapa‘au Demonstration. Join Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Ka‘ohu Monfort and learn how local plants are used to nourish and heal. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants including kukui, noni, ‘olena, ki and others. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema. Detroit-based musician and composer Andy Jarema has been selected as August’s artist in residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This young and innovative composer uses a mix of sound-collage techniques, and his trumpet, as well as traditional scoring to make musical pieces inspired by direct interaction with locales, also known as site-specific work. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, August 20 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

National Park Service Anniversary. Celebrate the 103rd anniversary of America’s Best Idea with free entrance to all fee-charging national parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Kona, and Haleakala National Park on Maui. 
When: Sunday, August 25
Where: All fee-charging national parks in America 

Palai‘e Demonstration. Create your own traditional Hawaiian game using natural materials. Pala‘ie, a ball-and-loop game rarely encountered in modern Hawai‘i, is sometimes played by keiki (children) while chanting ancient mele (song). Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association for this fun activity. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

Stewardship of Kipukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kipukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather.  New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info: [e-mail]. 
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29)
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park. 

Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm. 
When: August 2, 10, 16, 24 & 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m. 
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kilauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. You’ll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kilauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply). 
When: August 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour. 
Where: Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center

Explore Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free! Take a self-guided hike, or join a ranger-guided hike on the weekends at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sundays. Check the park website for hike details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-calendar.htm. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘u, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 

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