February Events in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, and other programs throughout February. In addition, everyone is invited to lend a hand to save native rainforest through the park’s volunteer stewardship opportunities.

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

Protect the park and remove invasive plants from native rainforest. PC: NPS/Janice Wei
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. PC: NPS

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu Help remove invasive at Kīpukapuaulu, home to an astonishing diversity of 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 at [email protected] for more information.
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (Feb. 8, 15 and 22)
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.

Restoring native rainforest during Stewardship at the Summit. PC: NPS

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.
When: Feb. 9, 17 and 19 at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.

New Geochemical Tool Predicts Volcanic Unrest and Earthquake Activity Did you know that dissolved gases are sometimes a precursor to volcanic activity, but until now, there has not been a reliable portable instrument to measure them? Dr. Gary McMurtry of the University of Hawai‘i will describe how the helium isotope instrument can save lives and mitigate societal costs of volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Hike from Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff). PC: NPS/JaniceWei

Chinese New Year Guided Hikes—in Chinese! Chinese-speaking visitors are invited to join Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Volunteer Janice Wei on an easy two-mile roundtrip guided hike of Ha‘akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) to the edge of Kīlauea Caldera at Akanikōlea (Steaming Bluff) to celebrate the Year of the Dog. The park is a popular destination for Chinese who travel for the annual Chinese New Year holiday. Wei, who was born in China and speaks Mandarin fluently, is an ideal guide. Note: People with respiratory or heart issues, infants, young children and pregnant women should avoid Sulphur Banks due to high levels of naturally occurring volcanic gas. Free.
When: February 13, 16 and 18 from 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center

‘Ai Pono – Healthy Eating Aunty Edna Baldad explains how to eat and live healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and ulu (breadfruit). Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Lomilimi at Kahuku. PC: NPS

Lomilimi at Kahuku Master lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) practitioner demonstrates and discusses the important spiritual and physical components of lomilomi. This style of massage incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify and breathe, to promote personal harmony. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free, and in Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11.
When: Fri., Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kahuku Unit

Count Humpback Whales for the “Sanctuary Ocean Count” at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: Humpback whale fluke up dive off Kaena Point, 2015. PC: NPS

Count Humpback Whales for the “Sanctuary Ocean Count” at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Join us at Ka‘ena Point and count migratory humpback whales that swim by on Feb. 24 and March 31. The Sanctuary Ocean Count is a signature outreach project that the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts annually. Ocean Count serves to promote public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities in the Hawaiian Islands. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey which provides valuable data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Register online. Free.
When: Feb. 24 (and again March 31), 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Where: Ka‘ena Point, at the end of Chain of Craters Road

Tales of Early Ranching in Humu‘ula. PC: Peter Mills

Tales of Early Ranching in Humu‘ula Learn about the fascinating days of sheep and cattle ranching on the rough eastern slopes of Mauna Kea in the Humu‘ula ‘āhupua‘a (land section). Professor Peter Mills of the University of Hawaii-Hilo will share anecdotes and information he gathered during his decade of field work and research. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Lei Haku Demonstration. PC: NPS

Lei Haku Demonstration Learn how to create a lei haku—a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai​​