Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Hosting Free Events in May

HVNP Ecologist Paul Field instructs volunteers on vegetation management. Photo courtesy of NPS.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) has released its upcoming Hawaiian Culture and After Dark in the Park programs schedule for the month of May. These events are free, but park entrance fees apply.

The community is also invited to volunteer in an effort to preserve native plants through the park’s Stewardship at the Summit volunteer program.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events at HVNP:

Managing Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i’s keystone forest species is under attack by a new fungal disease known as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, or ROD. HVNP is collaborating with partners, land managers, scientists, and outreach specialists throughout Hawai‘i to respond to this threat. Park Ecologist David Benitez will share what they have learned about ROD since it was first identified in 2014, and what is being done to manage it beyond the park. Free to attend!

• When: Friday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m.  
• Where: Cooper Center in Volcano Village

Lā‘au lapa‘au practitioner, Momi Subiono. Photo courtesy of NPS.

Lā‘au Lapa‘au

Learn all about lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian herbal medicine) with local practitioner, Momi Subiono. Momi uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create awareness, understanding and healing through the use of plants. Free to attend!

• When: Wednesday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Stewardship at the Summit

HVNP needs volunteers to help remove invasive plant species preventing native plants from growing inside the park. Come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, as well as a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and participation is free. Park entrance fees do apply. Learn more online for additional details.

• When: May 6, 12, 20, and 26, at 9 a.m.  
• Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates

Haunani’s Aloha Expressions

Enjoy an evening of music and hula with the energetic kūpuna (elders) of Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. They have competed and won at various hula festivals. Show up to enjoy the magic of old Hawai‘i. Free to attend!

• When: Wednesday, May 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  
• Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Keiki enjoy kōnane at the 100th anniversary of HVNP. Photo courtesy of NPS.

Kōnane

Test your skills with friends in the ancient Hawaiian game of kōnane. Reminiscent of checkers, this strategy game was once played by all classes of people throughout Hawai‘i. It has become popular again today, and takes great thought and strategy to master. Free!

• When: Wednesday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

Honor veterans for their service during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway–a battle waged over a tiny atoll between the U.S. and Japan that proved to be the turning point of the War in the Pacific. Today, Midway is a national wildlife refuge and home to stunning wildlife and habitats. Free!

• When: Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m.
• Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium