December 2023 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

The festive season is upon us and your park has  special events to unwrap including the Holidays in Kahuku family fun festival and two holiday concerts at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Decorate your December calendar with these upcoming events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park:  

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 website calendar for more information. 

Holidays in Kahuku. Santa is coming to Kahuku with presents, free shave ice minis, and face painting for keiki. Bring the family for food, music and crafts at the fourth annual Holidays in Kahuku – free! Food vendors include the Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, 4 Scoops of Aloha and more. Performances by the Kīpapa Sisters, Hot Potaytahs, the Jazz Gardeners and others. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For more info call 808-985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.  

When: Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku – located at the 70.5 mile marker off Highway 11 in Kaʻū  

Holiday Concert with Ola Loa and Special Guest Landon Scott. Local Volcano band Ola Loa invites you to a magical evening of holiday music Hawaiian style! This free concert features Christopher Miller on guitar, Gary Dikito on ʻukulele and Jeff Hamilton on the stand-up bass. Bring along your singing voice because you may feel inspired to join in with this talented trio and their guest Landon Scott as they perform familiar tunes. 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, December 12 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium  

Coffee Talk: the Koa and Sandalwood Forests of Hawaiʻi Nei. Come learn about the sustainable management of the majestic acacia koa and almost harvested to extinction ʻiliʻahi (sandalwood). Dr. J.B. Friday, the extension forester for the University of Hawaiʻi, will share his knowledge about these two incredibly important trees in the Hawaiian forest.
When: Saturday, December 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station  

Holiday Concert with Lito Arkangel. Local musician, entertainer and educator Lito Arkangel returns to the park auditorium with a magical holiday concert! Born and raised in Hilo and Puna, Lito grew up loving music and sitting next to his grandmother awhile she played piano for their church. As an adult, Lito’s music career has taken off, with two albums nominated for Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, the Hawaiʻi version of the Grammys. Join us in welcoming Lito back to the park for an evening of holiday music and local favorites. Part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply. 
When: Wednesday, December 20 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium  

Explore Kahuku. 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.
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. 

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: December 2, 8, 16 & 22. Meet at 8:45 a.m. 
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.  

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 clothing that you don’t mind getting permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet or hot and sunny weather.  New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info: [email protected].
When: Every Thursday at 9:30 a.m.  

Where: Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the park. 

Ranger-Led Programs. Discover Kīlauea volcano with a ranger as your guide. Check the park calendar and/or check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for program schedules.
When: Times and locations vary
Where: Check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center or the park calendar 

Connect Virtually. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/HawaiiVolcanoes or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @HawaiiVolcanoesNPS. Share your park experiences and use  #HawaiiVolcanoesNP and #MyParkStory.