News Release

October 2023 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Benefits and cultural uses of the māmaki plant will be discussed After Dark in the Park on Oct. 24

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 8, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Open up your October calendar and make time to delve into Hawaiian cultural practices, restore native rainforest or treat yourself to a ranger-guided hike or After Dark in the Park program  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 calendar for more information.

Palaʻie (Loop and Ball) Demonstration. Join park rangers and staff from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Assocation to make and play with palaʻie (loop and ball). Pre-contact Hawaiians had many interesting games that are seldom seen today. Palaʻie are constructed from natural materials and are a simple and enduring source of good fun. 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, October 11 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)  

Hawaiian Chant. Long before the Hawaiian people had a written language, they passed along traditional knowledge and culture through moʻolelo (story), hula, mele (song and poetry) and oli (chant). Kekuhi Kailiʻikanakaoleohaililani of Hālau o Kekuhi guides us to connect with the landscapes of Hawaiʻi on a deeper level. Passed down by her grandmother, Edith Kekuhi Kanakaʻole, her performances and guidance have touched thousands of lives. This is event is expected to be well attended. 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, October 17 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Hālau Hula Kauluola Performance. Hālau Hula Kauluola of Keaukaha, under the direction of Kumu Hula Noʻeau and Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima, will perform with members of their youthful hālau. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) Hawaiian music and performance programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply. 
When: Wednesday, October 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Coffee Talk: The Restoration of Ka Hoʻomana Kahiko. Join Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft and learn about the revitalization of hoʻomana kahiko, traditional Hawaiian spiritual practices, including the observation of kaulana mahina, the celestial calendar. Kahakaiʻo dedicates his work to perpetuating the traditions of his ancestors through the practice of kalai kiʻi (sculpture), moʻo kūauhau (genealogy), moʻolelo (storytelling) and mālama iwi kūpuna (the care of traditional burial practices). Free! 
When: Saturday October 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station 

Māmaki Tea, a Hawaiian Tradition. The māmaki plant is found nowhere else on Earth and for centuries, Native Hawaiians have enjoyed the health benefits of drinking tea brewed from its leaves. Today, farmers Matt and Andrea Drayer of Ancient Valley Growers cultivate this nettleless nettle for a new generation. They use regenerative agriculture techniques for a more sustainable Hawaiʻi. Join us for a virtual tour of their Wood Valley ranch and connect with this Hawaiian tradition. 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, October 24 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Every Kid Outdoors Halloween Celebration. Come to Kīlauea Visitor Center or the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station for fun family-friendly events the Saturday before Halloween. At Kīlauea, decorate a park-themed mask then explore the trails and look for clues to earn charms for the mask. At Kahuku, come for the third annual Halloween Bingo Scavenger Hunt. Return to the visitor centers for a treat bag provided by the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Costumes encouraged! If you have a fourth grader in the family, park entrance is free! Just complete the online activity on www.everykidoutdoors.gov and print the paper voucher to bring to the park in exchange for a fourth-grade pass.
When: Saturday, October 28 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center and Kahuku Visitor Contact Station 


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.

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. This program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.
When: Three Fridays: October 6, 13, & 20 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each performance is about an hour.  
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center 

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: October 14, 20 & 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. 

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.

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 

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.   
 

###