What events are happening at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in February?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park features a variety of events in February, including a Hawaiian carving demonstration, talks about the rare and unique species and habitats the park protects, ranger-led programs and Kahuku coffee.

All events are free, but park entrance fees may apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or be canceled without notice. Check the park website and calendar for more information: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

Monitoring seabirds in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.: The ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) and the ʻakēʻakē (band-rumped storm petrel) are seabirds that spend most of their lives on the open ocean, coming to land only to breed. These endangered species nest in burrows on the barren lava flows of Mauna Loa within the park. Join Charlotte Forbes Perry, biologist with the University of Hawaiʻi Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and Dr. Michelle Reynolds and Slater of Hawaiʻi Detector Dogs to share what they found during the 2022 seabird monitoring system. This event at the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs.

Learn to carve Hawaiian-style, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Hawaiians carved kiʻi (statues) to represent forces of nature, guardians and the spirit world. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui Jr., who has worked on the sacred site of Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma Heiau on Kauaʻi, will share his expertise and the essential role kiʻi played in Hawaiian society. The event will be held at the ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center). It is part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs.

Virtual Visit to Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.: Papahānaumokuākea is the single largest, fully protected conservation area on Earth as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, threatened Hawaiian green sea turtles and more than 14 million seabirds. Native Hawaiian cultural reconnection with these islands, and active leadership in management, has also ensured this protection is lasting. Join Andy Collins, Education Coordinator with the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, as we take a virtual visit to this amazing and remote part of Hawaiʻi, hear how it’s managed, and see what lies ahead. The event at the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs.

Ben Kaʻili in Concert, Feb. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.: Come enjoy Hilo’s own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Ben Kaʻili and friends in concert at the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. It is part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Kahuku Coffee Talk: Anchialine Pools, Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m.: Anchialine pools host one of the rarest ecosystems on earth, yet few people have ever heard of them. Hawai‘i Island is home to approximately 650 of the estimated 700 or so anchialine pools in the state. Join Aquatic Biologist Anne Farahi along with Park Ranger Dean Gallagher on a virtual visit into this hidden realm and meet the charming and endemic ʻōpaeʻula, a tiny shrimp at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. It is part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Explore Kahuku, Thursdays through Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.:  The Kahuku Unit, one of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s best-kept secrets, is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s free. Guided ranger programs and talks are offered on the weekends, check the park calendar for more info. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.

Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Enter Kahuku on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5.

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1939 and talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. You’ll 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; pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. This program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. It is supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

The walk is on Fridays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10 a.m. and noon. Each performance is about an hour. Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native 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 with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details.

The restoration is held on Feb. 4, 10, 17 and 25 at 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Explore the Summit and Other Ranger-Led Walks. Discover Kīlauea volcano on an easy one-hour, ranger-led walk offered daily. Other ranger-led programs may be offered; check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for additional programs.

Explore the Summit is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.