News Release

July 2024 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Mauna Loa erupts on Nov. 22, 1935 as seen from Hilo Bay

Photo by Kenichi Maehara

News Release Date: May 31, 2024

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – Kau wela, the summer season, approaches and so does the 40th Cultural Festival and an array of free programs that celebrate Hawaiian culture, art, and conservation at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in July. 

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.

Nā Waʻa: The Art of Oceanic Canoe Building. Peoples of Oceania constructed, paddled, and sailed canoes specifically designed for the open ocean. This amazing craftmanship enabled them to discover and inhabit some of the most isolated islands on Earth including Hawai‘i. Join Dr. Doug Herman, executive director of Pacific Worlds Institute, who will take us through the creation of these craft. From the massive double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoes to small one-man fishing vessels, the waʻa (oceanic canoe) continues to connect Hawaiʻi to its past and present. 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, July 9 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Koʻi (Stone Adze) Demonstration. Used in everyday life, the koʻi was the most important tool for kānaka (native people of Hawaiʻi). Koʻi are used to carve canoes from trees, hollow out bowls, notch pots for homes and for carving kiʻi (statues). Stone workers were skilled crafters and highly valued in their community. Join Tom Pico as he shares his knowledge of this nearly forgotten craft. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ 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, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.   
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

John Keawe in Concert. Come listen to Hawaiian music by John Keawe, a kihoʻalu (slack-key) guitarist, composer and recording artist. A Grammy-award winner, John Keawe is a well known local performer, born in Hāwī in North Kohala, with multiple Nā Hoku Hanohano music awards under his belt. Part of the Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music” concerts and presentations. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply. 
When: Wednesday, July 17 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium 

40th Cultural Festival. Join us for a vibrant lineup of local performers, hula performances and engaging Hawaiian arts, crafts and games at the 40th Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival in Kahuku. Come learn about local conservation efforts through fun, interactive exhibits. Bring water, sun protection, and a rain jacket. A ground mat or chair are recommended. Festival T-shirts, food and refreshments will be available for sale (or bring your own picnic). This wonderful family experience is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free!
When: Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Where: Kahuku Unit, located on the ma uka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance at Kīlauea. 

Kenichi Maehara: Pele’s Photographer
Kenichi Maehara was an early 20th century photographer who built and operated a studio in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Maehara came to Hawai‘i from Hiroshima, Japan in 1896 and over his 30-year career grew to become a renowned and respected local businessman whose photos of volcanic eruptions were published around the world. Park Ranger Anekelea Hubner shares the life story and eruption photography of Maehara, whose work invites us to reflect on the powerful and destructive forces that are present in both nature and society. 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, July 23 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Volcano Art Center Hula Arts at Kīlauea Performances

The Volcano Art Center (VAC) presents authentic hula kāhiko performances through its ongoing Hula Arts at Kīlauea program. Performances occur the second Saturday of each month through 2024 and are sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and/or Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Hālau Kalehuapuakamaʻehu under the direction of Brandy Barrett & Kate Kaleohano perform in July. Bring sun/rain gear and a sitting mat. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. 
When: Saturday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early, parking is limited at the visitor center. Additional parking available at Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents). 
Where: Kahua Hula (hula platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery and Kīlauea Visitor Center. 


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: July 5, 13, 20 & 26. Meet at 8:45 a.m. 
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above. 

-NPS-

 
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 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.