August 2024 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

News Release Date:
July 2, 2024

Contact:Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - August 1 is the 108th birthday of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and we are celebrating with a month full of special programs and exciting information about the rehabilitation of Kīlauea Visitor Center! Mark your calendar for these August 2024 events:

All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Check the park calendar for more information.

Fee-free Day for the Great American Outdoors Act. August 4 is the fourth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), landmark legislation that has made a huge difference for the National Park Service and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The GAOA provides up to $1.3 billion a year for five years and enables parks to make large-scale repairs and improvements. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, GAOA funds will support upcoming fence and greenhouse repairs, water treatment system rehabilitation and improvements to Mauna Loa Road.
When: Sunday, August 4 - all day
Where: All fee-charging national parks

The Forest in the Pit Crater: A Tale of Ancient Hawaiʻi. An encore presentation! If you missed this standing-room-only program, you're in for a treat. With nearly 150-foot vertical walls, the Kahuku Pit Crater contains a dense native forest, and from its overlook you look down on treetops preserved from ka wā kahiko (ancient times). David Benitez, former park ecologist, led surveys into the crater that documented more than 100 plant species, many rare and endangered. Hear how David, along with multi-agency teams, rappelled into the crater and how the collections are being used today to restore rare and endangered native plants throughout the park. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, August 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Kuʻi Kalo Demo. Come learn about the staple food in the Hawaiian diet and make poi the traditional way. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and kaʻu (pounded) to create this class Hawaiian dish. Ranger Keoni will share his knowledge of kalo during this authentic cultural experience. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

Pele and Hiʻiaka: Myth or History? The Pele-Hiʻiaka oli (chants) describe metaphorically the two largest volcanic events at Kīlauea since Polynesians came to Hawaiʻi: the massive lava flow in Puna in the 15th century and the ensuing formation of the summit caldera in about 1500 CE. Retired USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist and volcanologist Don Swanson will discuss how these oli depict the agreement between the past and modern understanding of these events. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes' ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs.
When: Saturday, August 17 at 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station

Kīlauea Visitor Center Renovation Update. Starting this fall, Kīlauea Visitor Center (KVC) and most adjacent parking will close for construction. After Dark in the Park, Nā Leo Manu and other park programs will temporarily be suspended once KVC closes. During the closure, the interior of KVC will be rehabilitated, new exhibits will be installed, the restrooms will be rebuilt and the lānai will be replaced by an expanded covered hālau (pavilion). Park managers will share details on the temporary relocation of visitor services and share updates about the ongoing 2018 disaster recovery projects. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, August 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Volcano Art Center Hula Arts at Kīlauea Performances
The Volcano Art Center (VAC) presents authentic hula kāhiko performances through its ongoing Hula Arts at Kīlauea program. Performances occur the second Saturday of each month through 2024 and are sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and/or Hawai'i Tourism Authority. Hālauolakalani, under the direction of Kumu Hula Moses Crabbe, perform in August. Bring sun/rain gear and a sitting mat. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
When: August 10 at 10:30 a.m. Arrive early, parking is limited at the visitor center. Additional parking available at Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents).
Where: Kahua Hula (hula platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery and Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Volunteer Opportunities
Stewardship at the Summit Rainforest Restoration. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details.
When: August 2, 10, 16, 24 & 30. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above.

-NPS-

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