HVNP Hikes, Events & More

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

A hike in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. PC: HVNP

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 offer new and familiar programs at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo, the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village and other locations—free of charge.

Join the rangers at any of the above locations, and take advantage of these upcoming park programs, now through Sunday, July 22:

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center. Find you park rangers at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association (HPPA) has set up shop and offers a range of educational items, books and souvenirs for sale. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo. Free!

‘Ike Hana No‘eau Cultural Workshop: Wednesday, July 18, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about Lomilomi massage, from cultural demonstrator, Kumu Leina‘ala K. Brown. Free!

• Third Thursday by the Bay: Thursday, July 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ranger Dean Gallagher will provide a riveting Kīlauea eruption update, using “Liquid Galaxy” map technology, photos and storytelling. Bring your questions!

Kahuku Unit

The Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the mauka (inland) side 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. Kahuku is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purchase the NPS Passport Book from the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store and get your special Kahuku Unit cancellation stamp.

The 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.

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.

This coming weekend, park rangers and staff from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association will share their knowledge and passion for these Hawaiian cultural practices:

July 21: Cordage. It’s all about connecting to culture – literally. Learn how Hawaiians use plant materials to bind and lash together everything from wa‘a (canoes) to slippers.

July 22: Hula. Get into the groove and learn basic moves of the beloved Hawaiian dance in both the kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles.

Kahuku Guided Hikes:

Birth of Kahuku. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcanic formations, and identify section of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. This guided easy-to-moderate hike is offered Saturday, July 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

People & Land of Kahuku. is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands—from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The guided hike is offered Sunday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Can’t make a guided hike but want to get to know Kahuku better? The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will tailor a customized trek just for you. Contact Friends through their website. Proceeds support Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Kahuku events are posted to the park website.

Prince Kuhio Plaza. Come visit park rangers at the new Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store, and learn about current volcanic conditions and what’s going on in the park. Proceeds benefit six national park sites in Hawai‘i and American Samoa. The popular Hilo mall, located at 111 E. Puainako St., opens daily at 10 a.m.

Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus. You can also find your park at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption. Free!

Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.