Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service through music, culture and science on Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27. ADVERTISING Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to celebrate the 100th
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service through music, culture and science on Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27.
A Na Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices) Hawaiian concert series kicks off the festivities Aug. 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Kilauea Theater. The concert also celebrates the 100th anniversary of Kilauea Military Camp. At 6 p.m., Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and Halau Hula o Akaunu perform oli (chant) and hula that follow the Pele migration from Kahiki to Hawaii. Manai, who teaches for the Center for Hawaii Life Styles at Hawaii Community College will also discuss how Hawaiian culture and science intersect. Musician Kenneth Makuakane follows, and performs until 8 p.m., then singer and songwriter Mark Yamanaka caps off the evening.
In addition, the new Mele Hoohe no — Songs of Kilauea and Mauna Loa CD will be released and available for sale.
Aug. 27 is the free Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival &BioBlitz. This year’s festival honors the park’s centennial anniversary and connects visitors and the community to the culture, biology and geology of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Themed E Hoomau (to perpetuate) the 36th annual cultural festival will be held near Kilauea Visitor Center. More than a dozen cultural practitioners will demonstrate how Native Hawaiians integrate the natural world into their traditions and several performers are slated. Demonstrations include lei making, games, making and playing Hawaiian nose flutes and coconut frond weaving.
Festival performers include Kumu Hula Mamo Brown and Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, Kenneth Makuakane, Halau o Akaunu and Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua; Kai Hoopii, Haunani Medeiros and kupuna of Haunani’s Hula Expressions, and Diana Aki.
The BioBlitz is a hands-on opportunity for families and individuals to observe and document the biodiversity that thrives at the park. Participants will work alongside experts and choose from more than two dozen field inventories, such as a birding excursion called “That Thing with Feathers.” Registration is required; sign up on the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website.
BioBlitz science and cultural booths will also be present at the festival.
The BioBlitz field inventories run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Cultural Festival and BioBlitz exhibits are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27. Entrance and all events Friday and Saturday are free. Coolers, pets or alcohol are not permitted.
