Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Events for June

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has released its upcoming Hawaiian Culture and After Dark in the Park programs schedule for the month of June. 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:

Stock photo of mosquito closeup.

I, Mosquito: Our Changing World
When: Tues., June 6, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

As global climate change shifts the distribution of mosquitoes, diseases once thought to be limited to the tropics are now seen far from the equator. From dengue fever to zika virus, our changing world is reflecting a new “normal” for regions previously unaffected.

Join USGS Research Biologist, Dennis LaPointe, Ph.D. as he takes us through the life cycle of one of the planet’s most maligned insects – the mosquito. While sharing information from recent wildlife studies here in Hawai‘i and sobering projections of the future, LaPointe offers practical advice and innovative adaptive strategies for coping with our changing world. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

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

A tree infected with Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo.

When: Tues., June 13, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

‘Ōhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by a new fungal disease, known as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, or ROD. The park is working closely with partners, land managers, scientists, and outreach specialists throughout Hawai‘i to respond to this threat. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist David Benitez will share the lessons we have learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss what we are doing to manage ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

Lei Hulu (Feather Lei Making) Demo
When: Wed., June 14, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Witness the fine skill in making lei hulu (feather lei). Renowned artist Kilohana Domingo demonstrates his mastery of this intricate Hawaiian art form. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

A family at the base of Pu‘u o Lokuana in the Kahuku Unit. NPS Photo.

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day: Hawaiian Healing Practices
When: Sat., June 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit

Join us at Pu‘u Lokuana as we delve into the basics of Hawaiian healing methods. In the afternoon, an expert in children’s lomilomi (Hawaiian massage), Ka‘ānohi Pe‘a, will demonstrate this ancient wellness technique that is still practiced today. Keiki 17 and under and their families must sign up by June 8, by calling 808-985-6019. Bring water, lunch and snacks, a ball cap, shoes and reusable water bottle. Kahuku is located between the 70 and 71 mile markers on Highway 11.

Stewardship at the Summit
When: June 3, 9, 17, and 23 at 9 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.

Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants.

Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details.

Hawaiian Music Concert with Komakakino

Courtesy photo of the Hawaiian band, Komakakino.

When: Wed., June 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Enjoy the sweet falsetto harmonies of Hawai‘i-Island born-and-raised musical group, Komakakino. These talented young men share a love of hula, Hawaiian culture, and singing traditional mele (songs) in the Hawaiian language. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.

Pāpale (Hat) Workshop
When: Wed., June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Come and weave a hat from coconut leaves that will keep you looking and feeling cool this summer! The coconut palm is one of the most versatile, useful and prized plants throughout the Pacific Ocean. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.