February Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Events

Courtesy photo of dancers in Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Maunaloa

As Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its centennial celebration into February, Hawaiian Cultural and After Dark in the Park programs will also take place.

Admission to the cultural and after dark programs are free, but park entrance fees apply and a voluntary $2 donation helps support the programs.

The Mysterious World of Volcanic Caves in 3D. 

An undisclosed lava cave, courtesy of Peter and Ann Bosted.

Mysterious lava tubes are the skeleton of the Hawaiian Islands: they give volcanoes their shield-like shape by acting like pipes to transport lava from its source to the ocean. Where lava tubes go, new land is formed. Photographers Peter and Ann Bosted have surveyed and photographed lava tubes and share their images in 3D (glasses provided). Hear how they document, protect, and conserve lava tubes on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

A Hawaiian kōnane game along the Puna Coast Trail. NPS Photo/J. Ferracane.

Kōnane: a Traditional Game of Strategy.  

Kōnane is an ancient Hawaiian game reminiscent of checkers, and is played with pebbles placed in even lines on a stone or wooden board. It was played by all classes of people, and remains popular among Hawaiians. Come test your strategic skills against your friends on Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and make your own cloth board to play on at home.  The event takes place on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

Hula Performance by Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Maunaloa.

Enjoy a breathtaking performance by Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Maunaloa, under the direction of kumu hula Meleana Manuel of Volcano, on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The hālau has participated in many competitions, festivals, and events in Hawai‘i, Japan, and on the mainland – all locations where they have branches. The goal is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture, protocol, and history through song and dance while instilling confidence, respect, and responsibility. Kumu Meleana received her ‘ūniki from Master Loea George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Na‘ope.  

Centennial Series After Dark in the Park: Natural Resources of Kahuku. 

Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel and Wildlife Biologist Jon Faford discuss the natural treasures of the Kahuku Unit, former ranch lands acquired by the National Park Service in 2003, and the challenges of conserving the native species like nēnē, hāhā, and Mauna Loa silverswords that cling to life here. The event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

‘Ōhi‘a lehua blooming in Kahuku/NPS Photo/David Boyle .

Centennial Hike: Forested Pit Crater at Kahuku. 

Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel and Wildlife Biologist Jon Faford lead a moderate 2.4-mile roundtrip hike to a forested pit crater in the Kahuku Unit that naturally protects rare and endangered Hawaiian plant species like hāhā, koli‘i, ha‘iwale, and ōpuhe. Large ‘ōhi‘a, hapu‘u pulu, and ‘ama‘u ferns are easily observed in this crater, and other native plants like ‘ōlapa, pilo, and the Hawaiian raspberry, ‘akala, grow along the trail. Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. The hike will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the Kahuku Unit visitor contact station. Enter the Kahuku Unit on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. The hike is about three hours.