Volcanoes Park Centennial November Events

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 November.

All ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply except on the last fee-free day for 2016, which is Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11.

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:

Earthquakes: Did You Feel That?
When: Tues., Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Seismic Network Manager Brian Shiro installs a broadband seismic monitoring station in the park’s Kahuku Unit in June 2016. USGS Photo.

Thousands of earthquakes happen in Hawai‘i each year. Occasionally, large earthquakes can cause significant damage or tsunamis.

Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Seismic Network Manager Brian Shiro and learn about what’s shaking in our state.

Learn about different types of earthquakes, how we monitor them in Hawai‘i, and how scientists use these signals to mitigate hazards. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

Lau Hala Weaving
When: Wed., Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Discover the skill of weaving lau hala with practitioners from ‘Aha Pūhala o Puna.

Closeup of a woven lau hala bracelet. NPS Photo/Jay Robinson

For centuries, Hawaiians have used the hala tree to create many useful and beautiful items. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

Fee-Free Day on Veteran’s Day
When: Fri., Nov. 11, all day
Where: All fee-charging national parks

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park joins national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for Veterans Day, Fri, Nov. 11 in honor of the men and women who have served the nation.

The park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website.

Kahuku Unit Open House
When: Fri., Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The Kahuku Unit, Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5

A sweeping view of Kahuku, looking down on the 2014 cultural festival, and the coast from the top of Pu‘u Lokuana cindercone. NPS Photo

The Kahuku Unit will host the “Welina Mai Nei Kakou I Kahuku,” an open house event to celebrate Kahuku being open on Fridays (in addition to Saturday’s and Sunday’s).

Enjoy a hula performance by Hālau Naleionalani led by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, Hawaiian music, informational displays on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, the Ka‘ū Cultural Club and the Manukā Natural Area Reserve, plus children’s activities.

Sign up for a guided hike (limited to 12 people) to Kīpuka ‘Akihi; call (808) 929-8075.

After Dark in the Park: The 1932 Administration Building (‘Ōhi‘a Wing) New Museum
When: Tues., Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Embracing the new museum — the former 1932 Administration Building and formerly a lodging facility called the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing will soon be a new park museum. NPS Photo.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will unveil a new museum that will house items from the park’s vast museum collection of more than 1.5 million objects.

The park’s Chief of Cultural Resources, Laura Carter Schuster, reveals the history and highlights of this vast collection, and plans for exhibiting the objects in the original 1932 park Administration Building, formally a lodging facility called the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing.

Hula Performance by Hālau o Akaunu
When: Wed., Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Experience the ancient traditions of Hawai‘i come to life through the chant and dance of Hālau o Akaunu.

Hālau o Akaunu performing on the park’s pā hula. Courtesy photo.

Hailing from Hilo, Hawai‘i, and under the instruction of Mānaiakalani Kalua, Akaunu strives to perpetuate the ‘aiha‘a style of hula borne of this volcanic landscape. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.

Centennial Walk: 1932 Administration Building (‘Ōhi‘a Wing), New Museum
When: Sat., Nov. 19, at 10 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center

Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster leads an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building, and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection. About 90 minutes.

Lei Wili Demonstration
When: Wed., Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Learn to make a lei wili. Photo Courtesy.

Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. The beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, ritual, gifts and as an expression of love and celebration. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.