Plan ahead! Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park lists October events, updates

Plan ahead and make the most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island in October with these events and updates.

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

Construction at Park Entrance Continues
Temporary lane closures at the park entrance continue as the new administrative lane and roundabout are built. October is the start of cruise ship season, and surges in visitation are typical between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily; visit outside those hours to avoid congestion at the entrance. In addition, the 2018 Disaster Recovery Projects continue; bookmark this webpage for updates.

BARK Ranger Kahuku Day
It’s paw-ficial: the wildly pupular BARK Ranger program is coming to Kahuku! Take the BARK Ranger pledge: Bag your waste and remove it; Always on a leash; Respect wildlife; and Know where to go. Then, join BARK Ranger Sting and his human, Ranger Dean, for our “indogural” event in Kahuku. You can print your online certificate and bring it with you, or fetch one at Kahuku. Sniff out the new Bark Ranger merch (Kahuku Bark Ranger banadana, Bark Ranger badge) at the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association store if you really want to be a top dog.
When: Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The Kahuku entrance is located in Kaʻū near the 70.5 mile marker mauka off Highway 11.

Volcano Art Center Hula Arts
The Volcano Art Center presents authentic hula kāhiko performances through its ongoing Hula Arts at Kīlauea program. Performances occur the second Saturday of each month through 2024 and are sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and/or Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Hālau Kou Lima Nani E under Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima performs this month. Bring sun/rain gear and a sitting mat. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
When: Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early, parking is limited at the visitor center. Additional parking available at Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents).
Where: Kahua Hula (hula platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery and Kīlauea Visitor Center.

ENCORE! Nani O Kahuku: A One-Woman Living History Play
Re-live a day on historic Kahuku Ranch through this performance adapted by Jackie Pualani-Johnson directly from the diary of Hannah (Nani) Piʻilani Jones. Nani, portrayed by actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua, was the eleventh and second-to-youngest child of George W.C. Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
When: Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The Kahuku entrance is located in Kaʻū near the 70.5 mile marker mauka off Highway 11.

Artist in Residence: Photographer Stan Honda
Award-winning photojournalist and night-sky photographer Stan Honda is the National Parks Arts Foundation Artist in Residence for October. His body of work includes historical events, human interest stories and night sky photography. While here, Honda plans to experiment and add ambient soundscapes to his photo narratives of the night skies above Hawaiʻi Island. This New York-based artist is bound to draw a crowd, so arrive early.
When: Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kahuku gate opens at 8 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The Kahuku entrance is located in Kaʻū near the 70.5 mile marker ma uka off Highway 11.

Fourth Annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Kahuku
Calling all keiki! Bring your ʻohana to Kahuku for the annual Halloween Bingo Scavenger Hunt. Find the items on your bingo card and return to the Visitor Contact Station for a treat bag provided by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Costumes are encouraged!
When: Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The Kahuku entrance is located in Kaʻū near the 70.5 mile marker ma uka off Highway 11.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Renovation Pushed Back
Kīlauea Visitor Center, restrooms and most adjacent parking will close for construction no sooner than late fall or early winter. The public will be informed once the contract is awarded. After Dark in the Park, Nā Leo Manu and other park programs will be suspended when KVC closes. During the closure, the interior of KVC will be rehabilitated, new exhibits will be installed, the restrooms will be rebuilt and relocated, and the lānai will be replaced by an expanded covered hālau, or pavilion. Limited visitor services and the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store will relocate 1.2 miles west to a temporary visitor contact area – more on that soon! Volcano House and the Volcano Art Center Gallery will remain open.
When: KVC closure dates will be determined after the contract is awarded.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center, restrooms and parking.

Ranger-Guided Programs at Kīlauea Summit
Did you know that Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers free guided programs nearly every day? Experience Life on the Edge, Into the Volcano and other ranger treks by checking the park calendar for dates, times and descriptions.
When: Almost daily.
Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea summit.

Volunteer Opportunities
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: Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26 – all Saturdays in October. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above.