Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park Announces December Events

The exquisite view overlooking Kilauea Caldera from Volcano House in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Courtesy Photo.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) has announced its December 2017 calendar of public events, including Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park (ADIP) programs. The park is also offering volunteer opportunities to the community through its Stewardship at the Summit program to help save native rainforests.

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

Mark the calendar for these upcoming HVNP 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 apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details.
When: Dec. 1, 7, 15, 23, and 30, at 8:45 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.

Cascade Volcanoes Beneath a Solar Eclipse: Learn about the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon, how often they erupt, and why their eruptions can be more dangerous than eruptions in Hawai‘i. Park Rangers Michael Newman and Jay Robinson visited these majestic mountains during the total solar eclipse and found adventures around every corner. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ After Dark in the Park series. Free to attend.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Pacific Islands as Models for Culture, Agriculture and Sustainability: Peter Vitousek, Ph.D. looks to Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands as models for living more sustainably. He will share his discoveries on how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ After Dark in the Park series. Free to attend.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Lā‘au Lapa‘au: Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Ka‘ohu Monfort demonstrates the power of local plants to nourish and heal. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants, including kukui, noni, kī, ‘ōlena, and more. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free to attend.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Ken Makuakāne Performs: Enjoy the melodies of award-winning musician Ken Makuakāne. His accolades include 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. A prolific songwriter, Ken’s compositions have been recorded by many artists including the Brothers Cazimero, Nā Leo Pilimehana, and many more. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free to attend.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Pulumi Nī‘au Demonstration: The pulumi nī‘au (coconut broom) is a tool widely used in the Pacific. The coconut tree has myriad uses and is considered a “tree of life” by many cultures. In Hawai‘i, the importance of the coconut can be seen in the legend of Niuolahiki, whose name means “coconut of long life.” Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free to attend.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day and offers 155 miles of hiking trails, informational presentations and displays at Kīlauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum, plus many opportunities to experience and appreciate the volcanic landscape, native ecosystem and Hawaiian culture that define park.

All events that occur at facilities within the park, including the Volcano Art Center Gallery, Volcano House, and Kilauea Military Camp, are subject to park entrance fees.