News Release

December 2022 Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes are seen in a rare simultaneous eruption

NPS Photo/J.Ibasan

News Release Date: November 30, 2022

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – ʻTis the season to break out your calendars and pencil in all the exciting and fun-filled December events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! 

Mauna Loa Erupts! The world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, is erupting for the first time since 1984. Mauna Loa joins Kīlauea in a rare dual eruption and is not currently impacting the most visited park areas or island communities. Mauna Loa eruptions are dynamic and can change rapidly. Visitors should stay informed by checking the park website for current conditions and updates. Programs and events could be canceled without notice. Visitors should also be prepared for crowded conditions in the park throughout December and January. Plan to arrive before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. 

Holidays at Kahuku. The Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are celebrating 25 years of supporting the park by throwing a holiday party for everyone! Come celebrate in Kahuku and enjoy free music, hula, face painting for keiki and shave ice (while supplies last). Local crafts and food will be available for sale. Performances by Hālau Ulumamo o Palikū, the Kipapa Sisters, Shootz, The Jazz Gardeners and Dem Guys. For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org or call [phone].
When: Saturday, December 3. Gates open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., entertainment 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku, just south of the 70.5 mile marker in Kaʻū 

Explore Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit, one of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s best-kept secrets, is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s free! It is also far less crowded than the Kīlauea summit area, especially during the busy holiday season. Guided ranger programs and talks are offered on the weekends, check the park calendar for more info. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 
When: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note: Kahuku will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 
Where: Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Enter Kahuku on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5.

Kamehameha Schools Holiday Concert. Ring in the holidays with a joyous Saturday evening concert by Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi High School Chorus & Concert Glee featuring the Mamalahoe Chapter of the alumni chorus. This combined ensemble from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island will perform songs from all over the world in celebration of a season of giving and gratitude. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series, and presented in partnership with Volcano Art Center and the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 
When: Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium  

Discover Your Park Through ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Join Ranger Kama Obrero on a special guided one-and-a-half-mile walking tour given in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and learn the stories behind places like Kaʻauea, Haʻakulamanu and Wahinekapu. Weather varies at Kīlauea summit, bring a hat, rain gear, sun protection and water for this two-hour program. 
When: Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m. 
Where: Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center flagpole 

Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 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 with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm 
When: December 3, 9 & 17. Meet at 8:45 a.m. 
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates. 

John Keawe & Nā Leo Manu are BACK! Come enjoy the return of enchanting Hawaiian music and kihoʻalu (slack key guitar) by Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning artist, John Keawe. Part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 
When: Wednesday, December 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium 

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1939 and talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. 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 a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.
When: Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 10 a.m. and noon. Each performance is about an hour.  
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center 

Explore the Summit and Other Ranger-Led Walks. Discover Kīlauea volcano on an easy one-hour, ranger-led walk offered daily. Other ranger-led programs may be offered; check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for additional programs.  
When: Explore the Summit is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.  
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai 

All 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. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park website and calendar for more information: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.  
 

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