News Release

November 2023 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Two rangers demonstrate a Hawaiian game of tossing a wooden club between two stakes in the ground.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 28, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, [phone]

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – November days will be cooler but these free events, talks, walks and the entrance-fee-free Veterans Day are sure to spark your interest. Mark your November calendar with these upcoming events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park:

All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are 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 calendar for more information.

Taiko Talk and Demonstration in Kahuku. Taiko instructor Paul Sakamoto and students will demonstrate and talk story about taiko drumming. Learn about the posture and movement (kata) associated with a taiko performance, the different types of taiko (drums), the bachi (sticks) used to strike the taiko, traditional clothing and the different rhythms and strikes. Free!

When: Saturday, November 4 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Hawaiian Chocolate: Cacao Farming on Hawai'i Island. Only one state in the U.S. can grow the remarkable cacao tree: Hawaiʻi. Dan Corson of the Hāmākua Chocolate Farm takes us on a virtual tour of a working cacao farm. From harvesting fruit to bringing the product to market, come learn why many consider Hawaiian chocolate to be among the best on Earth and a step towards a more sustainable future for local agriculture. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply. When: Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Makahiki Games. Makahiki season is here! Traditional Hawaiian games were an important part of training for warriors during times of peace. Moa paheʻe teaches the skill of precision throwing and involves sliding a wooden club between two stakes. Join rangers and staff from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association for this fun challenge. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

Veterans Day Fee-Free Day. Entrance fees are waived for everyone at all fee-charging national parks on Saturday, November 11 to honor those who served our country. In addition, eligible veterans and families are encouraged to pick up a Veterans and Gold Star Family Interagency Lifetime Pass. The pass provides free lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. Veterans with valid identification (ID) and Gold Star families with a printed voucher can get their pass online or in person at the park entrance station. Information on ID accepted for the Veterans Pass and a downloadable Gold Star Family voucher is available online: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
When: Saturday, November 11
Where: All fee-charging parks in the U.S.

Nani O Kahuku: A One-Woman Living History Play. Relive a day on historic Kahuku Ranch through this performance adapted by Jackie Pualani-Johnson directly from the diary of Hannah (Nani) Piʻilani Jones. Nani, portrayed brilliantly by actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua, was the eleventh and second-to-youngest child of George W.C. Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, November 14 at 7 p.m. (Rescheduled from August 29)
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Woodturning in Hawaiʻi: A Rich Hawaiian Tradition. Native Hawaiians have carved wooden bowls for centuries. Originally, these skilled artisans shaped the wood using tools made from coral, lava, or pumice stone and they sometimes used shark or stingray skins to finish the surface. The result was the highly prized ʻumeke lāʻau (wooden bowl). Today, the tradition is carried on by local woodturners who use modern lathes and metal tools. Their skillfull work can be seen in galleries, hotels and museums throughout Hawaiʻi. Mark Stebbins of the Big Island Woodturners shares his knowledge and examples of ʻumeke. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, November 21 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

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! 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.
Where: Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, 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.

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.

When: November 3, 11, 17 & 25. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.

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: [e-mail].
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.

Ranger-Led Programs. Discover Kīlauea volcano with a ranger as your guide. Check the park calendar and/or check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for program schedules.
When: Times and locations vary
Where: Check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center or the park calendar

Connect Virtually. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/HawaiiVolcanoes or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @HawaiiVolcanoesNPS. Share your park experiences and use #HawaiiVolcanoesNP and #MyParkStory.

-NPS-

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