Volcanoes Park Centennial Events for December

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its 100th anniversary celebration through its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public in December.

All ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply for programs in the park.

Artist and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ranger Diana Miller’s painting, “Lava Comes to Life on the Coastal Plain” is on display at the Hawai‘i Nei Art Exhibit and won an honorable mention. NPS Photo/Sami Steinkamp

Hawai‘i Nei Saturday
When: Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Wailoa Center, 200 Piopio Street, Hilo

“Find Your Park” in Hilo and enjoy artwork that celebrates the native plants and animals of the five national parks on Hawai‘i Island, and the human connection to these special places.

The “National Parks Preserving Pilina” category celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and features artwork from talented Hawai‘i Island artists, including a painting titled “Lava Coming to Life on the Coastal Plain,” by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ranger Diana Miller! Hawai‘i Nei is an annual juried art show that is not to be missed. Visit here for more information. Free.

Gorillas, Volcanoes and World Heritage of Virunga National Park
When: Tues., Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Founded in 1925, Virunga National Park became the first national park on the continent of Africa.

Join travel writer and Virunga advocate, Kimberly Krusel, as she takes viewers on a virtual visit to what has been called “the most biologically significant park in Africa.” Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

Kapa Making
When: Wed., Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Kapa making. NPS Photo/Jay Robinson

Feel the unique texture and beautiful designs of Hawaiian bark cloth created by skilled practitioner Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell. Kapa is the traditional cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing.

Kupu kapa, the skill of creating kapa, is rarely seen today and requires years of practice and labor to master. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

After Dark in the Park: Kīlauea Military Camp, Once a Detainment Camp
When: Tues., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Most people are unaware that Kīlauea Military Camp in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park was used as a Japanese detainment camp during World War II.

Park Archeologist Dr. Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura will discuss the experience and subsequent detention of Japanese-Americans here following the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

Soldiers outside Building 34 in Kīlauea Military Camp during the 1940s. Photo courtesy of Kīlauea Military Camp

The last After Dark in the Park Centennial series presentation of 2016! Free.

Centennial Hike: Kīlauea Military Camp
When: Sat., Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the flagpole at Kīlauea Military Camp

Park staff will lead a revealing walk through Kīlauea Military Camp, used as a Japanese detainment camp during World War II. About an hour. Free.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day
When: Sat., Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Register by Dec. 2.
Where: Kahuku Unit

Calling keiki 17 and younger and their families to journey into the past on the new Pu‘u Kahuku Trail in the Kahuku Unit in Ka‘ū.

Park ranger demonstrates feather kāhili making, offered at this month’s Kahuku ‘Ohana Day. NPS Photo

Create your own piece of Hawaiian featherwork on this day of fun and discovery. Call (808) 985-6019 to register by Dec. 2.

Bring lunch, snacks, a reusable water bottle, water sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.

Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Free.

Find Your Park on the Big Screen: Acadia National Park
When: Tues., Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Acadia and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Parks are thousands of miles apart, but they have much in common.

Both parks turned 100 this year, and both are on islands defined by their indigenous host cultures, fascinating geology, and intriguing biodiversity.

Learn about Maine’s iconic national park in the new film, “A Second Century of Stewardship: Science Behind the Scenery in Acadia National Park,” by filmmaker David Shaw. Free.

Kenneth Makuakāne in Concert
When: Wed., Dec. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Courtesy photo of musician Kenneth Makuakāne

Enjoy the melodies of multiple award-winning artist Kenneth Makuakāne.

His accolades include 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and six Big Island Music Awards.

A prolific songwriter, Kenneth’s compositions have bene recorded by artists such as The Brothers Cazimero, Nā Leo Pilimehana, and many more. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.