Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Events

During the month of August, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will continue to share its Hawaiian Culture and After Dark in the Park programs.

All of the programs are co-sponsored by the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association and ask for a donation of $2 to help support park programs.

Kīlauea’s Night Skies: An Artist’s Perspective.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m, join Big Island artist and interpretive guide Kent Olsen as he presents Kilauea’s Night Skies: An Artist’s Perspective. Drawing on insights and perspectives developed through years of work in the medical imaging design field as an interpretive guide at Mauna Kea Observatories and as a certified commercial guide at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kent will present the night skies over Kilauea in a way that is sure to provide a new perspective and may just change the way you see everything. Utilizing the current lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater as a point of reference, you will journey from the depths of the quantum realm to the edge of the cosmos. Olsen boldly attempts to describe the natural world in a way that makes the scale of the seemingly infinite something you just might be able to wrap your head around. Attendees are reminded the park is open all night for stargazing and lava glow viewing. The event will take place at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Pūhala is an important plant with several uses for native Hawaiians, both past and present. NPS Photo.

Nā La‘au: Important Uses of Hawaiian Plants.

Park Ranger Julia Espaniola shares her knowledge and love for some of the island’s native plants and their traditional uses on Wednesday, Aug 12. The event is part of HVNP’s ongoing “‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Interested participants can meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center lānai at 10 a.m. The workshop will run through 12 p.m.

Hula Performance by Hālau O Mailelaulani.

Hālau o Mailelaulani will perform on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mailelaulani is a Hilo-based hālau under the direction of kumu hula Mailelaulani Canario. Kumu Mailelaulani established her hālau in the mid-1970s to perpetuate the kahiko (ancient) as well as ‘auana (modern) style of hula. Today, her ‘auana performers participate in the annual Merrie Monarch festivities and are regular entertainers for the cruise ships through Destination Hilo. The hālau placed third in the 32^nd annual Kupuna Hula Festival Wahine Group Competition held in Kona in 2014. Part of HVNP’s Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” performances. The event will take place at the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.

A park ranger strums a ‘ukulele. NPS Photo.

‘Ukulele Lessons.

Learn about the history of this world-famous instrument that plays a significant role in contemporary Hawaiian music on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Join rangers from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Kilauea Visitor Center lānai as they share their knowledge and love of the Hawaiian culture.  Learn how to play a simple tune on the ‘ukulele and leave with a new skill and treasured ‘ike (wisdom) to share with your hoa (friends) and ‘ohana (family). Part of HVNP’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.