News Release
Courtesy of Roger and Barbara Myers
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Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018
Hawaii National Park, HAWAI‘I – 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 December 2019.The park anticipates heavy holiday visitation with limited parking at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, due to the summit collapse during last year’s eruptive and seismic activity. Although most of the park is open, visitors are encouraged to check the park website, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, ahead of their arrival for alerts, parking tips and how to avoid the holiday crowds.
The following events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.
Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala – Two Years Later. Through intensive conservation efforts, 20 ‘ālala, the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow, have been reintroduced in native Hawaiian forests. Rachel Kingsley, education and outreach association for The ‘Ālala Project, will provide an update on the reintroduced birds. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption on Kīlauea Volcano’s Southwest Rift Zone. From mid-December 1919, after significant draining and re-filling of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, lava erupted on the caldera floor, sending lava down the SW rift zone. Join geologist Scott Rowland from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa as he explains the significance of this 100-year-old eruption. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Moa Pahe‘e Games. Similar to ‘ulu maika, moa pahe‘e requires a little more strength and skill. Join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association during the festive Makahiki season and test yourself in this fun Hawaiian game. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center
Holidays in Kahuku. The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to the second annual Holidays in Kahuku, a free family-friendly event featuring local crafters selling jewelry, pottery, holiday decorations and more. Live music includes performances by rock ‘n rollers Shootz, the “queen of opera” D’Andrea Pelletier and a surprise guest performing Hawaiian music – something for everyone! Volcano House will provide ono (delicious) food for purchase, and Friends will sell shave ice, drinks, chips and logo merchandise. Books, native species plush toys and other park-related items will be available for sale in the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store. All proceeds from this event support park projects and educational programs.
When: Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit in Ka‘ū
Holiday Concert with Randy Lorenzo, Jennie Kaneshiro & Friends. Acclaimed Hawai‘i musician and recording artist Randy Lorenzo, and upcoming vocalist Jennie Kaneshiro, will be joined by special guest musicians for a holiday concert you won’t want to miss! Join us for an intimate evening of mele and celebration. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Kōnane (Hawaiian checkers). Celebrate the annual Hawaiian makahiki season and come play kōnane in the park. ‘Kōnane is an ancient Hawaiian game similar to checkers, and the object of the game is to be the last player to make a move. King Kamehameha was an excellent player who could beat his opponent swiftly. Join park rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific parks Association for this fun event. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, December 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Outside Hale Noa o Kīlauea, across from Volcano Art Center
Artist in Residence to Present Work at Coffee Talk. Landscape painter Dawn Waters Baker, December’s Artist in Residence, will present her work to the public in Kahuku (and informally as she paints throughout the park, en plein air). The artist lives in Texas, but was born and raised in the Philippines and lived through the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Baker is familiar with lush, volcanic landscapes, and will be looking and listening for both the new and the familiar, along with the themes of life, death and rebirth while she is here. The Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and other partners.
When: Friday, December 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit in Ka‘ū
Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, 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: nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (December 5, 12, 19 & 26.)
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu 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, rain gear, 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: December 6, 13, 21 & 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea 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 Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū 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 Kīlauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesdays. December 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Explore Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit is free, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed December 25). Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on weekends for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. 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‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
-NPS-
Last updated: November 14, 2019