May Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Events

As Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park celebrates its 100^th anniversary in 2016, Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs continue through May.

All After Dark in the Park and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Inspired by the Island of Fire

Hawai‘i Island author Tom Peek, a former eruption ranger at HVNP presents “the story behind the story” of his award-winning novel, Daughters of Fire on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The novel is described as “a gripping adventure of romance, intrigue, myth, and murder set amid the cultural tensions of contemporary Hawai‘i.” Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series.

Create a Lei Haku

Lei making is a skill and art enjoyed in Hawai‘i for countless generations, and Hawaiian lei come in many forms. The traditional haku style of lei making involves braiding material into a base of leaves to create a full and beautiful adornment. The event on Wednesday, May 11 from 10 am. To 12 p.m. on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops

May 2016 Artist-in-Residence is Emma Stibbon

Visual artist Emma Stibbon, noted for her dramatic and extreme monochrome landscape drawings, was selected as the May 2016 Artist-in-Residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Stibbon, who is from the United Kingdom, will display and discuss her work at an After Dark in the Park program on Tues., May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center. She will also offer two public workshops, featuring plein air techniques on two consecutive Saturdays: May 14 and 21, at 11 a.m. Both workshops will be in the lobby of the 1932 Administration Building, also known as the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing, located between Kilauea Visitor Center and the Volcano House on Crater Rim Drive. Participants must bring their own pencils, ink and paper. Call or email Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Schuster to reserve a spot: laura_c_schuster@nps.gov or (808) 985-6130.

Find Your Park on the Big Screen

Learn the significance of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam, established in 1978 as a tribute to those who fought and died during the Pacific Theater of World War II. The 30-minute film, Liberating Guam: The U.S. Comes Back, reveals the aggressive Japanese expansion into the Pacific region during the war, and due to its graphic nature, may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film will be shown on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

Richard “Likeke” Teanio in Concert

Musician Richard “Likeke” Teanio serenades the evening with ‘ukulele and slack-key guitar music. Born and raised in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, he’s been featured on multiple recording projects for Kekuhi Kanahele, Diana Aki, Russell Mauga, and Walter Aipolani. The event held on Wednesday, May 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations.

Centennial Series After Dark in the Park: Honu‘ea, Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Hawai‘i

HVNP has monitored and protected nesting honu‘ea and their habitat since 1989. Honu‘ea are critically endangered, and only 139 nesting females have been documented. Lauren Kurpita, coordinator of the Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project, reveals the differences between hawksbill and green sea turtles (honu), threats to hawksbills, and the latest conservation efforts to protect the species from extinction. The presentation will take place in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

Learn to Plait Lau Hala

Many Pacific cultures plait (weave) the leaves of the pandanus plant (called lau hala in Hawai‘i) into useful and decorative items like mats, baskets, bracelets and more. Using lau hala is a long and arduous process, but the final product is soft, beautiful and a work of art. Come learn how it’s done. The event on Wednesday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops.

Centennial Hike: Honu‘ea, Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Hawai‘i

Join Lauren Kurpita and Supervisory Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita on a three-mile roundtrip hike to Ka‘ena Point to learn more about the nesting and monitoring activities of honu‘ea, the human and cultural history of the area, and how eruptions in this coastal region have impacted both. Sturdy footwear, water, light raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended. Be prepared for hot, windy weather. About 2 ½ hours. Meet at the Pu’u Loa Petroglyph Parking lot at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.

May Artist in Residence Emma Stibbon. Courtesy photo.

Emma Stibbon’s “Night Bergs.” Courtesy photo.

Emma Stibbons “Stromboli.” Courtesy photo.

Honu‘ea at ‘Āpua Point. NPS photo.

Plaiting a lauhala bracelet. NPS photo.