News Release

February 2024 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Ranger Diana Miller is the February artist in residence

Artwork photo courtesy of Diana Miller

News Release Date: January 5, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Are you ready to leap into February with music, art, Hawaiian culture and volunteer opportunities? Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has it all right here! 

All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, 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.

Chihsuan Yang in Concert. Experience a transcendent musical experience with Chihsuan Yang (violin, erhu, piano), a returning artist in residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Chihsuan’s connection with the Hawaiian landscape is profound, and she drew inspiration from the park for her last composition. Despite a recent tragic car accident that tested her resilience, Chihsuan is set to captivate the audience once again with her remarkable musical prowess. The Artist-in-Residence program is co-sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
When: Thursday, February 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station 

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, February 13 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Kiʻi – Hawaiian Carving Demonstration. Hawaiians carved kiʻi (images, statues or drawings) to represent forces of nature, guardians and the spirit world. Acclaimed artist James Kaulukukui, Jr. will share his expertise and the essential role kiʻi play in Hawaiian society. 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. 
When: Wednesday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to noon 
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

Art in the Park: Painting Demonstration and Talk Story with Artist in Residence Diana Miller. Learn from a master artist and park ranger Diana Miller in this free painting demonstration in Kahuku. Diana will also share her insights into painting the dynamic landscapes of Kahuku. No registration required. Free! 
When: Saturday, February 17 from noon to 3 p.m. 
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station 

Meet Artist in Residence Diana Miller. Artist Diana Miller was born in France, traveled the world, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a park ranger. Her artwork embraces the native landscapes of her Hawai‘i home and provides a hopeful vision for their continued protection. The Artist-in-Residence program is co-sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs Free, but park entrance fees apply. 
When: Tuesday, February 20 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Christy Lassiter & Friends in Concert. Join us for a wonderful evening of Hawaiian music with the trio, Christy Lassiter & Friends. The group is devoted to the perpetuation of old Hawaiian songs, and they play guitar, ʻukulele, bass and sing three-part harmonies to create an enjoyable, memorable experience. Part of the Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music” concerts and presentations. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Assocation. Free, but park entrance fees apply. 
When: Wednesday, February 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium 


Volunteer Opportunities

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: February 3, 9, 17 & 23. 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.
 

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425-plus national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.