Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Announces May Events

NPS Botanist Sierra McDaniel hand-pollinates a rare Ka‘ū silversword in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. PC: NPS. ​

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of programs each month including Hawaiian cultural activities, After Dark in the Park talks, volunteer opportunities and more. The public is invited to help conserve native rainforest within the park through volunteer stewardship opportunities. All park programs are free, but entrance fees may apply.

May Programs and Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park:

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu
Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to an astonishing diversity of native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and work clothes that can get dirty. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more information at [email protected].
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31)
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park.

Return to Abundance: A Vision for Healthy Oceans
Conservation International Hawai‘i is a local non-governmental organization focused on ocean health and abundance in Hawai‘i. Join Kēhau Springer as she describes how CI Hawai‘i works collaboratively to revitalize pono (responsible) Hawaiian fishing values and practices. Learn how the organization promotes social equity and cultural connections and cultivates future generations of stewards. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar
Travel back in time to 1912 and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dr. Jaggar will take guests on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Learn more about this program at the park website. Free (park entrance fees apply).
​W​hen: May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about one hour.
Where: Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center

Lei Hulu Demonstration
Witness the fine skill required to make lei hulu (feather lei). Acclaimed artist Kilohana Domingo will demonstrate his mastery of this intricate art. His feather lei are beautiful and highly sought to adorn pāpale (hats) and other uses. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
Ho‘okani Pila (Play Music) Workshop. Join park rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Park Association staff and learn how to play simple, fun songs on the ‘ukulele. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free, and in Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance, near mile marker 70.5 on Highway 11.
When: Friday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit

Saving Rare Plants from the Brink of Extinction in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses rare plant management in the park. The native silversword and lobeliads of Hawai‘i are outstanding examples of adaptive radiation where single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of species—some of which are the world’s most endangered plants. Learn how park managers have partnered with public and private organizations to bring these species back from the brink of extinction. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, May 29, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Ku‘i Kalo Demonstration
Make poi, the staple food of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and pounded (ku‘i) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. Have an authentic cultural experience and join rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and ku‘i kalo! Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai