After Dark In The Park Events In June

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in June.

The park has announced in a release that “Kapo‘eno‘ono‘o: Early Native Hawaiian Scholars,” which relies on the works of Davida Malo, John Papa ‘I‘i, Samuela Kamakau, Kepelino, and S.N. Hale‘ole for insight on the history, cultural practices, literature and genealogies of pre-contact Hawai‘i, will be presented by former park archivist Helen Wong Smith at 7 p.m. on June 10 in the Kilauea Visitor Auditorium.

Smith will explain how these men straddled two cultures, how their efforts provide knowledge of wā kaiko (ancient times), and how can we access their publications in the digital era.

On June 11, 10 a.m. to noon, join kumu hula Mamo Brown on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai as she demonstrates three different lei styles: wili, hipu‘u, and hilo, using backyard foliage in her “Backyard” Lei-Making” presentation.

On June 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy an evening of hula with Hālau Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū in the Visitor Center Auditorium under the direction of kumu hula Mamo Brown. A lifelong resident of Hilo, Brown was formally trained by Nalani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele of Hālau o Kekuhi in the ‘ai ha‘a, or low bombastic, style of hula. After her uniki (graduation), Mamo started her own hālau and is carrying on this traditional form of hula.

Hilo native Carl Ray Villaverde will perform in rare local concert after spending the past decade teaching and performing ‘ukulele and guitar in California. His new CD, Hawaiian Magic, will be on sale at the show, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 24 at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Finally on June 25, 10 a.m. to noon, join Oral Abihai on the Visitor Center lānai as he shares his passion for making ‘ukulele from discarded or naturally fallen pieces of wood. Abihai has fashioned more than 50 instruments with his recycling method.

All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply and donations are welcome. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.