News Release

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park June 2019 Events

Photo courtesy of UC Davis/Gabrielle Names

News Release Date: May 15, 2019

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, Public Affairs Specialist, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, stewardship programs and opportunities to explore the Kahuku Unit during June 2019. 

Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kilauea Visitor Center.

Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: 

Stewardship of Kipukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kipukapuaulu, 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. (June 6, 13, 20, & 27)
Where: Meet at the Kipukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park. 

Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm. 
When: June 7, 15, 22 & 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m. 
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kilauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘u actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. 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 your free ticket at the Kilauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kilauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply). 
When: June 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour. 
Where: Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center

Explore Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free! Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on Sundays for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. (The trail will vary depending on visitor interest). Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘u, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 

Kapa Kuiki Demonstration. Hawaiians learned the basic method of kuiki (quilting) with the arrival of the missionaries in the early 1800s. As the art evolved, so did the patterns which are inspired by nature. Cyndy Martinez shares her knowledge about the beautiful art known as kappa kuiki. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wed., June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

The Story of the Hawaiian ‘Amakihi.  The introduction of avian malaria to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1900s led to devastating declines in many native Hawaiian birds, but not the ‘amakihi. Join Gabrielle Names, Ph.D. student from U.C. Davis, who has spent four years studying the mystery of how this endemic little bird appears to be beating this deadly disease on Hawai‘i Island. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tues., June 18 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

Comic Journalism with Andy Warner – June’s Artist in Residence. New York Times’ bestselling comics journalist, author and artist Andy Warner was selected as the park’s artist in residence for June. During his residency, Warner plans to explore the human accommodation to life around volcanoes, and parlay personal stories of culture, science and tradition into a long-form nonfiction comic that explores the aftermath and recovery from the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series, and co-sponsored by the National Park Arts Foundation. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tues., June 25, at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

Lei Ti Demonstration. Learn how to twist your own ti leaf lei. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff who will share their knowledge and love of one of the most popular lei in Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wed., June 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai