July events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Summer is here and the annual Hawaiian cultural festival is back at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

After Dark in the Park programs, hikes, living history and a slew of other special programs are also part of the July lineup.

All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park calendar for more information.

• Birds Not Mosquitoes: Wolbachia to the Rescue
  • Hawaiian honeycreepers have been called the “jewels of the forest,” and at one time there were over 55 species of these native forest birds. Deeply linked to Hawaiian culture, just 17 species remain with six listed as critically endangered. Dr. Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i program director for the American Bird Conservancy, shares new hope: mosquito “birth control” to prevent avian malaria. Wolbachia bacteria is used around the world to help protect people from deadly mosquito-borne illness, and will be used in Hawaiʻi to protect Hawaiian forest birds from avian malaria. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
    • When: Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m.
    • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
      
• Learn to Make Tī Leaf Lei
  • Join park rangers and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association staff who will demonstrate how to make one of the most popular and traditional lei in Hawaiʻi from tī leaves. Make and wear your own lei! Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
    • When: Wednesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon
    • Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)
      
• The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Uēkahuna: A Legacy of Science
  • Perched high on the rim of Uēkahuna since the late 1940s, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been the hub of research and monitoring of Hawaiian volcanoes. The Reginald T. Okamura Building, constructed in 1985 and the heart of the observatory, was damaged beyond repair during the earthquakes of 2018. Join Don Swanson, who has a 55-year association with the observatory, as he takes us through the science conducted at this remarkable facility and the legacy being carried into the future. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
    • When: Tuesday, July 18 at 7 p.m.
    • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
      
• The Hawaiian Cultural Festival is Back
  • Celebrate Hawaiian culture at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s 39th annual Cultural Festival, held in the beautiful Kahuku Unit in Kaʻū, free! Come listen to Hawaiian and island-inspired music by renowned performers including Kenneth Makuakāne, Russell Mauga, the Kīpapa Sisters and Kaʻū favorites, Keʻaiwa. Enjoy hula performances and try your hand at traditional Hawaiian crafts. Participating hālau and practitioners will be announced next month. The 39th annual Cultural Festival will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day that shares the connection of Hawaiian people to the ʻāina. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. Water, raingear, and sun protection are recommended.
    • When: Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Where: Kahuku is on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance.
      
• Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
  • Papahānaumokuākea is the largest protected conservation area on Earth as well as a World Heritage Site. The area provides critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, threatened Hawaiian green sea turtles, and over 14 million seabirds. Native Hawaiian cultural reconnection with these islands, and active leadership in management, has ensured this protection will last. Join Andy Collins, education coordinator with the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo as we take a virtual visit to this amazing and remote part of Hawaiʻi. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
    • When: Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m.
    • Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
      
• Reflecting and Looking Ahead at Uēkahuna
  • Jaggar Museum and the buildings once used by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists at Kīlauea summit will soon be deconstructed. Join Park Ranger Mequette Gallegos and learn about the sacred landscape, Uēkahuna, on an easy guided walk and share #YourParkStory and memories of these special places. Envision a return of open space and an improved viewing area with expansive views of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera). No reservations required, haiku and story sharing encouraged. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
    • When: Saturday, July 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    • Where: Park at the former Jaggar Museum and meet in front of the restrooms
      
• Explore Kahuku
  • he 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.
    • When: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      Where: 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. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.
    • When: Fridays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each performance is about an hour.
    • Where: Meet at 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.
    • When: July 8, 14, 22 & 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.
      
• 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.
    • When: Explore the Summit is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    • Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai