Free Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in April

Lei Hulu artist Kilohana Domingo. Photo courtesy of NPS.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offering two free weekend events featuring Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park (ADIP) programs, in celebration of National Park Week in April.  

Many of the programs honor the 54th anniversary of the Merrie Monarch Festival. The programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.

Upcoming Events in April:

What: Endangered Marine Wildlife – What do monk seals, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles and false killer whales have in common? They are all endangered marine wildlife found in waters around the island of Hawai‘i. Susannah Welch of the Marine Wildlife Program shares innovative ways to protect species, including the promotion of barbless hooks and their usefulness is sustaining the fisheries of Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium   

What: Hei Demonstration – Hei are traditional Hawaiian string figures used with oli (chants) to tell stories and connect with the elements of the environment. No‘el Tagab-Cruz teaches the protocol and meaning behind this intriguing practice. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Visitors enjoy free entry during NP Weekends. Photo courtesy of NPS.

What: National Park Week Fee-Free Weekends – Celebrate National Park Week by exploring your national parks for free, two weekends in a row!
When: April 15 & 16, and April 22 & 23
Where: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in Kona

What: Kahuku ‘Ohana Day – Children 17 and younger and families are invited to explore Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail in HVNP’s Kahuku Unit and practice their Global Positioning System (GPS) skills. Darlyne Vierra will share Kahuku’s compelling paniolo history as well. Call (808) 985-6019 to register by April 7. Bring lunch, snacks, water, light raingear, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, long pants and shoes. Free.
When: Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit – 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.

What: Wilderness Hike – Hawai‘i Volcanoes was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its outstanding natural values. Join a ranger-guided hike into the Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone wilderness in celebration of World Heritage Day. This challenging 14-mile, seven-hour, interpretive trek includes Makaopuhi Crater; the 1965 and 1969 lava flows; a centuries-old archeological site, the hapu‘u pulu (fern) processing area; and Nāpau Crater. For more information, call (808) 985-6017. Hikers must bring four liters of water per person, lunch and snacks, sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, sunscreen, hat and raingear. Free.
When: Saturday, April 15 at 9 a.m. (Fee-free weekend)
Where: Meet ranger at the Mauna Ulu Parking Lot, off Chain of Craters Road

What: Tuesday’s Special Merrie Monarch Festival Events – Celebrate and honor the 54th Merrie Monarch Festival with traditional Hawaiian cultural activities at HVNP. Practitioners on Tuesday will share lau hala (weaving of the pandanus leaf), lomilomi (traditional Hawaiian massage), hū kukui (Hawaiian spinning top game), and ulana niu (coconut leaf weaving). Falsetto singer Kai Ho‘opi‘i performs. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Tuesday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

What: The Value of Plantation-Era Archives in Today’s World – From the 1850s to the 1990s, sugar plantations dominated the agricultural landscape of Hawai‘i Island. John Cross of the Edmund Olson Trust Archive, home to an array of maps, records and documents from the plantation days, will lead a visual journey through the era of “Big Sugar.” Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tuesday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium  

What: Wednesday’s Special Merrie Monarch Festival Events – Join HVNP to celebrate and honor the 54th Merrie Monarch Festival with traditional Hawaiian culture and crafts. Practitioners on Wednesday will share the arts of lei making (both the wili and hulu styles), pala‘ie (Hawaiian ball and hoop game), and kāpala mea ulu (Hawaiian plant stamping). The Young Brothers will perform local melodies. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Kai Ho‘opi‘i. Photo courtesy of NPS.

What: Kai Ho‘opi‘i in Concert – An evening of Hawaiian music, and the leo nahenahe (sweet voice) of Kai Ho‘opi‘i, an Aloha Festival Hawaiian falsetto contest winner. Kai will share the traditions and music of his ‘ohana from Kahakuloa, Maui. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.
When: Wednesday, April 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

What: Thursday’s Special Merrie Monarch Festival Events – Join HVNP to celebrate and honor the 54th Merrie Monarch Festival with traditional Hawaiian cultural activities. Practitioners on Thursday will share the arts of lei making, haku hulu (Hawaiian featherwork), ‘ohe kāpala (bamboo stamping), and kuku kapa (making fabric from bark cloth). Multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning composer, singer and musician Kenneth Makuakāne will perform. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Thursday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

What: National Park Rx Day – Parks and nature as medicine for health. Our “prescriptions” include a morning yoga session with Danielle Makaike from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; various presentations including lomilomi (Hawaiian massage), and kalo (taro) from 10 a.m. to noon; and a “Walk with a Doc” from noon to 1 p.m. with Dr. Craig Kadooka. Other presenters include Hilo Medical Center, HMSA Community Engagement, State of Hawai‘i Department of Health and Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi.
When: Sunday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory photo of Halema‘uma‘u.

What: Kīlauea Volcano’s Summit Eruption: On March 19, 2008, a new volcanic vent opened in Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea volcano’s summit. Nine years later, the eruption continues. The vent has grown to a gaping crater that’s roughly 640 x 840 feet in size. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick presents an update and overview on the summit eruption, including stunning imagery. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium  

What: Weave Ulana Niu (Coconut Fronds) – Learn how to weave coconut fronds into useful and beautiful items. The coconut palm is one of the most useful and important plants in the world. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai