Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park details events and updates for February

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has announced a slate of updates and public programs scheduled for February, offering visitors opportunities to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources during the winter season.

Park officials said the February schedule will include a variety of events, ranger-led programs and informational updates, with activities designed for both residents and visitors.

Specific offerings may vary based on weather conditions, volcanic activity and staffing availability.

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

But on President’s Day, the federal holiday on Feb. 16., there are no park fees at all national parks.

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: Feb. 7, 21 & 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m.  
Where:  Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center parking lot. (The meeting place is open during the visitor center renovation.)

Hana Hou! Nani O Kahuku Returns:

This original living history play is a loving and informative remembrance of Kahuku Ranch in the 1870s. The play is taken from the memoir of Hannah Piʻilani Jones (daughter of George Jones, the second owner of the ranch), staged by Jackie Pualani Johnson (professor emerita of the theatre arts program at UH Hilo), and brought to life by talented actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua. Bring your valentine!

When: Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to noonish
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Meet Photographer and February’s Artist-in-Residence, Houston Vandergriff:

Professional photographer, entrepreneur and disability advocate, Houston Vandergriff, is the National Parks Arts Foundation and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park artist in residence for February.

Born with Down syndrome, Vandergriff met early medical challenges with grit and curiosity. Although speech was never easy, he found his voice through a lens and transformed his passion into a career that blends travel, art and advocacy.

Houston is from Knoxville, Tenn. He has traveled extensively, and his work is showcased around the globe. Come and meet this extraordinary photographer and learn about his journey. Sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation and Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

When: Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Guided Hike of Palm Trail:

Join us on a 2.6-mile loop trail along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 Mauna Loa eruption. Discover relics from the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration), two natural eruptive processes. Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coastline on this moderately difficult 90-minute trek.

When: Saturday, Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Ranger-Guided Programs at Kīlauea Summit:

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers free guided programs nearly every day. Experience “Life on the Edge at Uēkahuna,” “Explore the Summit” and other ranger programs by checking the park calendar for dates, times and descriptions or drop by the Welcome Center to read the program board.  

When: Almost daily  
Where: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea summit 

Construction Updates:

Progress continues on the Kīlauea Visitor Center Rehabilitation, which is phase two of the Disaster Recovery Project.

Roofing and tongue-and-groove underlay are being installed on the spacious open-air hālau that will serve as a visitor information area. Roofing on the restrooms, relocated to the east end of the building, is complete and the leach field and absorption beds are close to being finished.

Inside, workers are installing a fire suppression system and waterproofing basement walls. Work to convert former office space into visitor areas, increase space for the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store, and create exhibits in English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is ongoing.

The visitor center is closed during the rehab project. Park rangers and the park store continue to serve visitors from the temporary Welcome Center at Kilauea Military Camp.

Kīlauea Visitor Center should reopen later this year.

Got Water?

Visitors should bring their own water to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The water station at Kīlauea Visitor Center is unavailable during renovations. A drinking fountain is available at Uēkahuna, and the bottle-filling station will be reinstalled there soon. Water is available for purchase at Volcano House.

Highway 11 Power Pole Replacement:

HELCO’s Line Relocation and Replacement project should be complete by the end of March. Workers are pulling lines in the underground conduit between the park entrance and the ʻŌhiʻa Wing near Volcano House, then will remove poles that are safe to remove once the new lines are energized. More information and the Environmental Assessment can be found online.