Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Announces October Events

A volunteer removes invasive Himalayan ginger. Janice Wei/NPS photo.

Footprints fossilized in volcanic ash in Ka‘ū Desert. NPS photo.

Lā‘au lapa‘au Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort. NPS photo.

Lomi massage. NPS photo.

Mark Yamanaka courtesy photo.

Youngster learns to weave lau hala bracelet. NPS photo.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has released its latest calendar of ongoing events for the month of October 2017, including Hawaiian Culture and After Dark in the Park (ADIP) programs. In addition, the public is invited to help save native rainforest in the park boundaries through the Stewardship at the Summit volunteer program.

ADIP and Hawaiian cultural programs are free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.

October 2017 Events:

• Stewardship at the Summit: Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees do apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
  When: Oct. 7, 13, 21, and 27 at 9 a.m.
  Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.
• Lomi: Lomi is the traditional massage practice of the Hawaiian people. There are many different styles of lomi used throughout Hawai‘i, and most are used as a way to heal body and mind. Lomi practitioner Annie Erbe will demonstrate this popular healing art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free to attend.
  When: Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
  Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
• Footprints in the Ash: Hawaiians once traversed Kīlauea on foot to travel between Puna and Ka‘ū. During the 18th century, explosions from the volcano rained volcanic ash down on the people, preserving their footprints in the sands of “Keonehelelei.” Park Ranger Jay Robinson will discuss new interpretive displays in the Ka‘ū Desert and explains what we know today about the impact of these explosive eruptions on native society. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ After Dark in the Park series. Free to attend.
  When: Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.
  Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
• Mark Yamanaka in Concert: Join local recording artist and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musician Mark Yamanaka for a free concert. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free to attend.
  When: Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
• Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Families are invited for a day of fun, culture and discovery at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the healing power of plants from Aunty Ka‘ohu Monfort, a practitioner of lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine). Collect seeds from native plants and help park rangers bring new life to Kahuku. Children 17 and under and their families must sign up by Oct. 13 to participate by calling (808) 985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat, long pants, shoes and reusable water bottles. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.
  When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration required by Oct. 13).
  Where: Kahuku Unit.
• Lau Hala: Join park staff and learn one of the great traditional arts of Hawai‘i, ulana lau hala. Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free to participate.
  When: Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.
  Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.