37th Hawai‘i Volcanoes Cultural Festival & BioBlitz

A traditional Hawaiian practitioner shares medicinal plants during the 2016 National Parkʻs Cultural Festival and BioBlitz. Photo courtesy of NPS.

The public is invited to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to learn more about conservation, biodiversity and traditional Hawaiian culture during the 37th annual Cultural Festival & BioBlitz. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kīlauea Military Camp.

This year’s festival theme is “Hilina‘i Puna, Kālele iā Ka‘ū (Puna leans and reclines on Ka‘ū),” celebrating the two land districts that make up the national park.

The festival will feature live traditional music, hula and Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, as well as crafts and games for all ages. Scientists and cultural practitioners will team up for a “BioBlitz” field activity with the public from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to share the natural and cultural diversity within the national park. Participants can identify local birds and their songs, as well as indigenous plants and other species.

Hālau Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū perform their powerful hula dance at the 2016 Cultural Festival and BioBlitz. Photo courtesy of NPS/Jay Robinson.

Outstanding local performers will include the powerful dance of Hālau Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū and Haunani’s Aloha Expressions kūpuna hula group. Solo musicians Kenneth Makuakāne and Lito Arkangel will sing and play instruments, followed by the “Songbird of Miloli‘i,” Aunty Diana Aki, who will close the event.

The event will also feature a variety of authentic Hawaiian cultural activities including ku‘i kalo (pounding poi), lomilomi (massage), ‘ohe kāpala (Hawaiian bamboo stamping), Hawaiian games, lā‘au lapa‘au (plant medicine), creating kāhili (feather standard), lei weaving and more. All cultural activities will happen on the grassy lawn and field area at Kīlauea Military Camp.

Registration will soon be available online at the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website. Park entrance fees will be waived to attend the free festival event.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a hat and sunscreen, and come prepared with water, rain jackets, and a ground mat or chair. No pets will be allowed. Lunch and beverages will be available for purchase. The festival will be a drug and alcohol-free event.