National Park Week at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

National Park Service file photo.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is celebrating National Park Week with several events from Saturday, April 16 through Sunday, April 24.

All events are free to the public and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

April 16, Junior Ranger Day

Junior Rangers can celebrate with Hawaiian craft demonstrations. The event will mark the launch of National Park Week events.

April 17, National Bat Appreciation Day

The event will highlight the native Hawaiian Hoary bat, which is known as ‘ope’ape’a. The Hawaiian Hoary bat is the only endemic mammal in the Hawaiian Islands. Activities will include haiku writing and a “make your own bat” craft project.

April 18 through April 21, Hawaiian Traditional Crafts and Activities

Week-long activities will surround Hawaiian traditions and cultures through the art of ‘ohe kapala, which is bamboo stamping, and traditional Hawaiian games of ‘ulu maika (rolling stones) and moa pahe’e (sliding darts).

April 22, Earth Day

The National Park Service celebrates the importance of taking care of the ‘Aina and the Earth. Participants can take part in a honu craft activity and learn the right ways to dispose of trash and how to recycle.

April 24, Park Rx Day

Celebrate traditional Hawaiian games of ‘ulu maika (rolling stones) and moa pahe’e (sliding darts) for good health and vigor. In ancient times, game playing during the season of Makahiki served to keep warriors physically fit for upcoming battles and sharpened their mental strategic skills.