News Release

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park September 2019 Events

Date: August 15, 2019
Contact: Ben Hayes, 808-985-6010

Hawaii National Park, HI – 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 September 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 Kīlauea Visitor Center:https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

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: 

Wildfire Recovery and Restoration. On August 5, 2018 a wildfire ignited near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park burning nearly 4,000 acres. More than 100 people from different organizations worked together to suppress the Keauhou Fire. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel will discuss recovery and restoration efforts as the fire provided an opportunity to restore biodiversity, control invasive plants, and build fire resilience by planting fire-tolerant native species. In a warmer, drier world, wildfires are expected to be more frequent. This project illustrates the value of preparing for wildfire events. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, September 3 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

Hawaiian Cultural Artifacts in the 21st Century. Using simple tools, Hawaiians shaped, carved, wove, braided, and fashioned items essential for everyday life. From fishhooks to feathered capes, from poi pounders to canoe hulls, from children’s toys to the weapons of war, the skillful work of the Hawaiian people can be seen in the artifacts they left behind. Today, using both traditional and modern tools, a new generation of skilled craftsmen carry on these traditions. Join Rangers Keoni Kaholoʻaʻā and Rick LaMontange for an incredible opportunity to both see and touch 21st Century Hawaiian artifacts. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

Hoʻoponopono. Making right, more right the path, is the Hawaiian traditional method for “reconnecting” Self to Self-Greatness in the ancient Hawaiian teachings, and pragmatic values within the Aloha Spirit. Join Aunty Mahealani Kuamoʻo-Henry and friends and journey through the teachings of, Ho’opono Pono Ke Ala. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

New Discoveries in Hawaiʻi Lava Tubes. Come meet the remarkable animals living beneath your feet! Join Dr. Megan Porter, cave biologist and University of Hawaiʻi associate professor, in learning about what lives in Hawaiian lava tubes. Dr. Porter will introduce you to the unique community of lava tube animals found on the big island of Hawaiʻi, and how these species are intimately linked to native forests on the surface. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, September 17 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium 

Kanaka Tree in Concert. Come and listen to Hawaiian music by Kanaka Tree. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ‘ohana will blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu - Heavenly Voices series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, September 18 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day. Everyone is invited to find their park and experience live music, family-friendly activities, hikes, and more. The event will be held at the Kahuku Unit of the park, located by mile marker 70.5 on Hwy. 11, about an hour drive southwest of the main park entrance. Free.
When: Sunday, September 22 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: the Kahuku Unit of the park, located by mile marker 70.5 on Hwy. 11.

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak. September’s Artist in Residence, playwright and librettist Alan Olejniczak (pronounced OH/la/KNEE/check), will present excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Olejniczak’s operatic verses and performances usually center around human impacts on the environment, but his work during his residency in the park will incorporate active volcanoes and other natural forces beyond our control. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Pū ʻohe Demonstration. The pū ʻohe is the Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. With a deep sound similar to a conch shell and like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association partners as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū ʻohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

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. (September 5, 12, 19, and 26)
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu 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, rain gear, 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: September 6, 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.

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day (NPLD). NPLD is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Join us at Hawai‘i Volcanoes, and help ensure the future of the Hawaiian rainforest. Volunteers will help remove invasive, non-native plants that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. 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 or written consent is required. No advance registration is required. Park entrance is free, and NPLD volunteers will receive a pass to return and enjoy the park fee-free on another day of their choosing.
When: Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 8:45 a.m. to noon. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai.
Where: Participating public lands nationwide. Visit https://www.neefusa.org/ for details.

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 Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū 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 Kīlauea Visitor Center’s front desk the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: September 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea 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‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. 

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