Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hosts several Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs in July. The programs are free, but park entrance fees apply.
Kipukapuaulu, the Park’s First Special Ecological Area
Dr. Rhonda Loh leads an easy 1.2-mile hike through the park’s inaugural Special Ecological Area, Kipukapuaulu. This forested area is considered a hot spot of biological diversity, with more native tree species per acre than any other forest in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Meet at the Kipukapuaulu trailhead at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Kapili Manu and Haku Hulu – Hawaiian Bird Catching and Feather Work
Join Park Ranger Noah Gomes and learn about the historic art of catching beautiful and unique birds for featherwork in Hawaii and create a small piece of featherwork. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon July 6 on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
What’s Buggin’ the Mountain?
The alpine and subalpine environments on Mauna Kea support a diversity of native and endemic insects. Heather Stever and Jessica Kirkpatrick present their thesis research on the diversity of insects on different plant types in the subalpine community, and the distribution of wekiu bugs on cinder cones in the alpine stone desert. The talk is at 7 p.m. July 12 in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Kanaka Tree Performs
Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young ohana will blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 20 in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Salt Production Sites Along the Rugged Park Coastline
Park Archaeologist Summer Roper reveals the importance and history of paakai (salt) production sites in the park. The talk is at 7 p.m. July 26 in the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Kui Kalo – Pound Poi
Experience this nutritious and special food. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon July 27 on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Salt Production Sites Along the Rugged Park Coastline hike
Join Park Archaeologist Summer Roper on a two-mile roundtrip hike to the extensive remnants of paakai gathering sites along the coast, and learn how the residents of this area used a unique method to extract the salt. The hike will take about 90 minutes. It’s moderately easy; expect hot and dry summer conditions. Meet at 9 a.m. July 30 at the parking lot after Puu Loa Petroglyph Trailhead on Chain of Craters Road.
Sturdy footwear, water, light raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended on hikes.