Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park Announces September Events

Courtesy photo. NPS.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has released its events calendar for September 2019 featuring activities in Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, stewardship programs and opportunities to explore the Kahuku area.

Visitors are encouraged to also check the park’s online calendar and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Park programs are free to attend but entrance fees apply.

September Events

Wildfire Recovery and Restoration

On Aug. 5, 2018, a wildfire ignited in Keauhou near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park burned nearly 4,000 acres. More than 100 people from different organizations worked together to suppress the fire. Park botanist Sierra McDaniel will discuss the recovery and restoration efforts as the fire provided an opportunity to restore biodiversity, control invasive plants and build fire resilience by planting fire-tolerant native species. In a warmer, drier world, wildfires are expected to be more frequent. This project illustrates the value of preparing for wildfire events. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar

Travel back to 1912 and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take visitors 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. Space is limited. Free tickets are available at the Kīlauea Visitor Center’s front desk on the day of the program. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu

Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and work clothing. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more information at [email protected].
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26)
Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa road off highway 11 in the park

Stewardship at the Summit

Volunteer to help remove invasive plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent is required. Visit the park website for additional planning details.
When: Sept, 6, 14, 20, 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates

Hawaiian Cultural Artifacts in the 21st Century

Using simple tools, Hawaiians shaped, carved, wove, braided and fashioned items essential for everyday life. From fishhooks to feathered capes, from poi pounders to canoe hulls, from children’s toys to the weapons of war, the skillful work of the Hawaiian people can be seen in the artifacts they left behind. Today, using both traditional and modern tools, a new generation of skilled craftsmen carry on these traditions. Join Rangers Keoni Kaholoʻaʻā and Rick LaMontange for an incredible opportunity to both see and touch 21st century Hawaiian artifacts. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Hoʻoponopono

Ho‘oponopono (making right, more right the path), is the Hawaiian traditional method for reconnecting “self to self-greatness” in ancient Hawaiian teachings. Join Aunty Mahealani Kuamoʻo-Henry and friends to journey through the teachings of Ho’oponopono Ke Ala. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

New Discoveries in Hawaiʻi Lava Tubes

Learn about the remarkable animals living in Hawaiian lava tubes with Dr. Megan Porter, cave biologist and University of Hawaiʻi associate professor. Dr. Porter will introduce you to the unique community of lava tube animals found on the big island of Hawaiʻi and how these species are intimately linked to native forests on the surface. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Kanaka Tree in Concert

Come and listen to Hawaiian music by Kanaka Tree. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ‘ohana will blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu – Heavenly Voices series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day

The public is invited to explore the Kahuku Unit of the park and experience live music, family-friendly activities, hikes and more. The Kahuku Unit of the park is located by mile marker 70.5 on highway 11, about an hour drive southwest of the main park entrance. Free.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit of the park located by mile marker 70.5 on highway 11.

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak

September’s Artist in Residence, playwright and librettist Alan Olejniczak (pronounced OH/la/KNEE/check), will present excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Olejniczak’s operatic verses and performances usually center around human impacts on the environment, but his work during his residency in the park will incorporate active volcanoes and other natural forces beyond our control. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Pū ʻohe Demonstration

The pū ʻohe is the Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. With a deep sound similar to a conch shell and like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association partners as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū ʻohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day (NPLD)

NPLD is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Join the park to help ensure the future of Hawaiian rainforests. Volunteers will help remove non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent is required. No advance registration is required. Park entrance is free, and NPLD volunteers will receive a pass to return and enjoy the park fee-free on another day of their choosing.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8:45 a.m. to noon. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai.
Where: Participating public lands nationwide. Visit https://www.neefusa.org/ for details.

Explore Kahuku

The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to enter. Take a self-guided hike or join rangers on Sundays for a two-hour guided trek starting at 9:30 a.m. (The trail will vary depending on visitor interest.) Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū about 50-minutes south of the park’s main entrance by car. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.