Volcanoes Park Centennial Events for February

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the public throughout 2017.

ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park 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:

Beautiful Hawaiian birds like ‘i‘iwi were prized by Hawaiian artists for their exquisite feathers. NPS Photo/Michael Szoenyi

Ethnobiology of Hawaiian Feather Artifacts
When: Tues., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Feather artifacts made by a variety of Pacific Island cultures are among the most beautiful of human creations, and it is often said that feather objects made by the Hawaiian people are the most stunning in existence. Sheila Conant, Professor Emerita of the Department of Biology at the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa, will discuss various types of feather artifacts, the animals and plants from which they were made and how different types of artifacts were constructed. She will also consider the possible impact of feather collection on native birds. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

Twist a Hau Bracelet
When: Wed., Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Transform hau, used for traditional Hawaiian rope material, into a lovely bracelet, and learn how this strong and fibrous native plant has many versatile uses. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

The Hylaeus Project and the Newly Endangered Bees of Hawai‘i
When: Tues., Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Last October, seven species of Hylaeus, the yellow-faced bees of Hawai‘i, became the first bees to ever be listed as endangered. Natural historian Lisa Schonberg co-authored petitions to get them listed, and traveled to Hawai‘i with visual artist Aidan Koch. The pair documented Hylaeus from Kaua‘i to the Ka‘ū Desert via music, photography, writing and art to raise awareness of the endemic bees. Lisa will present their Hylaeus Project After Dark in the Park, an ongoing presentation series at Hawai‘i Volcanoes. Free.

Courtesy photo of musician Lito Arkangel

Lito Arkangel in Concert
When: Wed., Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Entertainer and songwriter Lito Arkangel shares his original compositions and other Hawaiian favorites. Lito hails from the former sugar plantation town of ‘Ōla‘a, now known as Kea‘au. His love for Hawaiian music started as a young keiki, turning pages for his tūtū wahine (grandmother) while she played piano, and from decades of backyard jam sessions. Lito has since established himself as a popular entertainer throughout Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day
When: Sat., Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit

Keiki 17 and younger and their families are invited to explore the Upper Palm Trail in the park’s Kahuku Unit, and learn to weave a Hawaiian lei. Call (808) 985-6020 to register by Feb. 2. Bring lunch, snacks, water, light raingear, a re-usable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Sponsored by the park and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Free.

Weave a Tī Leaf Lei
When: Wed., Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Ranger Dean demonstrates how to make a tī leaf lei at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. NPS Photo/David Boyle

Learn how to create a tī leaf lei, one of the most iconic and popular lei of Hawai‘i. Park rangers and staff from the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association will lead the instruction and provide the materials. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.