Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, June 26–July 1

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to find their park and experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events and more from Ka‘ū to Volcano to Hilo.

While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater—causing the partial closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on May 11—park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations. Rangers are now offering new and familiar programs for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, and the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo—free of charge.

The attached photo shows a couple enjoying the view from Pu‘u o Lokuana cindercone in the Kahuku Unit. PC: NPS/Janice Wei ​

Come to any of these upcoming park programs, now through Sunday, July 1.

Most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also find your park rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. in Volcano Village. Rangers are there to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption. Free admission.

Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find you park rangers at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes—including Kīlauea. The center is located at 76 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo. Free admission.

Tuesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. The return of After Dark… near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus! “Sealed with Aloha: Hawaiian Monk Seals and Hawai‘i” will be presented by Tara Spiegel and the dedicated staff of Ke Kai Ola (The Healing Sea). This amazing facility operated by the Marine Mammal Center has grown to include science-based rehabilitation techniques, a highly trained stranding response network and much more. Learn how these heroes of hope heal and rehabilitate endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Free admission.

Wednesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Join rangers and HPPA staff at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center for the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) workshop, Lei Haku, and learn to make a beautiful lei worn around the head.

Kahuku Unit

Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the mauka side (inland) of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, in Ka‘ū, about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. Entrance and all programs are free.

Wednesday through Sunday New 20-minute Kahuku Orientation Talks introduce natural, cultural and historic attributes of Kahuku to the first-time or been-awhile visitor, and rangers also share the latest Kīlauea eruption updates. Orientation talks are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station.

Last Friday of the month. Kahuku Coffee Talks are informal conversations on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries are available for purchase. Come talk story this Friday, June 29—Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund presents “Removing Trash and Restoring Habitat” from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday Delve into authentic Hawaiian cultural practices via ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) programs, held every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in Kahuku. The programs last an hour and are free. Park rangers and staff from the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association share their knowledge and passion for native Hawaiian crafts:

• June 30: Hū. Make a traditional Hawaiian spinning top with kukui nut, a favorite of nā keiki (children).
• July 1: ‘Ulana Niu. Weave fun, whimsical items from coconut palm leaves

Kahuku Guided Hikes:

Sunday, July 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pu‘u o Lokuana. This short .4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u o Lokuana is ideal for families. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū.

Kahuku events are posted to the park website.