Volcanoes National Park Announces September 2017 Events

Stewardship at the Summit leader Paul Field instructs volunteers on vegetation management. NPS photo.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has announced its September 2017 calendar of events, continuing efforts to share Hawaiian culture and stewardship activities with the public through After Dark in the Park (ADIP) and other programs.

The community is invited to volunteer through the park’s Stewardship at the Summit (SAS) program to preserve native rainforests within the park boundaries. SAS volunteers will be eligible for a fee-free day on Saturday, Sept. 30, in honor of National Public Lands Day.

ADIP, SAS and cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply.

Save the date for these upcoming events:

Stewardship at the Summit: Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive, non-native plants 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, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required for groups under six, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for details.
When: Sept. 2, 9, 15, 22 and 30.
Where: Meet project leaders at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. on any of the above dates.

Ke Kāpili Manu Kahiko: Traditional Hawaiian Bird Catching. How did ancestral Hawaiians interact with native birds? Park Ranger Noah Gomes, who has researched traditional Hawaiian bird catching from a variety of sources, will share some of knowledge through years of research in pursuit of his M.A. degree in Hawaiian language and literature from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Part of the park’s ongoing ADIP series. Free to attend; park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Lei-making: Create your own beautiful lei with skilled lei maker No‘eau Kalima. Traditional lei are crafted with a variety of natural materials, including leaves and flowers. Traditionally, the Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, rituals, gifts, and as an expression of love and celebration. Part of the park’s ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (“Experience the Skillful Work”) workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Maunaloa: Enjoy the song and dance of Hālau Ke ‘olu Makani o Maunaloa. Led by Kumu Hula Meleana Manuel, they strive to perpetuate the native Hawaiian culture through mele (song) and hula. Part of the park’s Nā Leo Manu (“Heavenly Voices”) presentations. Free to attend; park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

HI-SEAS Mission V: Find out what it’s like to live on Mars. HI-SEAS (Hawai‘i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) is a habitat for a crew of six on an isolated Mars-like site high on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The NASA-funded project aims to help determine the individual and team requirements for long-duration space exploration missions, including interplanetary travel to Mars. Join Mission V crew member Brian Ramos as he describes what it’s like living and working in the habitat for eight months. Part of the park’s ongoing ADIP series. Free; park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Ku‘i Kalo: Learn to make poi, the staple food of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and pounded (ku‘i) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. Park rangers will share their knowledge of kalo during this authentic cultural experience. Part of the park’s ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (“Experience the Skillful Work”) workshops. Free.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Fee-Free Day on National Public Lands Day (NPLD): NPLD is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Join park staff in preservation efforts for Hawaiian rainforest. Volunteers will help remove invasive, non-native plants that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required. Park entrance is free, and NPLD volunteers will receive a pass to return and enjoy the park fee-free on another day of their choosing.
When: Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8:45 a.m. to noon.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. NPLD will be celebrated at participating public lands nationwide. Visit https://www.neefusa.org/ for more details.