June 2024 events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

News Release Date:
April 30, 2024

Contact:Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi - An engaging lineup of Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, hula arts, After Dark in the Park programs and more await visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in June.

All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, 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.

Digging the Past: the Hawaiian Field Systems of Kaʻū. The agricultural systems of the Hawaiian archipelago were some of the most intensive in the Pacific, especially the large agricultural landscapes in Kaʻū. Seth Quintus, Ph.D., of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa anthropology department, takes us through the remarkable Kahuku agricultural field systems established before Western contact. 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, June 4 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Lei Hulu (Feather Lei) Demonstration. To Native Hawaiians, lei hulu were like gemstones - difficult to obtain, precious and often priceless. They were bestowed upon aliʻi (chiefs) after lengthy preparation that sometimes spanned generations. Join reowned lei hulu artist Kilohana Domingo as he demonstrates his mastery of this intricate and traditional art. 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, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)

Meet June Artist-in-Residence, Writer Leah Newsom. Award-winning writer and novelist Leah Newsom is the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist in residence. Born and raised in Arizona, Leah brings her extensive literary background and passion for environmental storytelling to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Central to her residency will be the development of her forthcoming novel. She plans to explore the Maunaulu lava flows and experience the landscape as a living, breathing character. During her talk, Leah will shed light on her literary journey, creative process, and the discoveries she will make while developing her craft. Free.
When: Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Highway 11 in Kaʻū.

Salt Gatherers of Hawaiʻi. Did you know that the first major export from Hawaiʻi was not sugar, pineapples, or even sandalwood? By 1786, numerous ships stopped in Hawai'i to provision and created a tremendous demand for paʻakai, Hawaiian sea salt. Hawaiian paʻakai allowed for the preservation of fish and meat, and enabled Hawaiians to populate districts less suited for agriculture. Join archeologist and manager of the parkʻs Cultural Resources program, Summer Roper Todd, as she leads us in the footsteps of traditional Hawaiian salt gatherers. 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, June 18 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium

Hula Performance by Unulau. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, the mission of Unulau hālau hula (hula school) is to perpetuate Hawaiian knowledge and education through hula arts. Unulau is known for its ancient ʻaihaʻa style of hula, featuring low-postured and eruptive movements evoking the elemetal volcano force Pele and her sister, Hiʻiaka. The hālau prides itself on perpetuating this distinctive hula, rooted in traditions reaching back to a time before Western contact. Part of the Nā Leo Manu "Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music" concerts and presentations. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, June 19 from 7 p.m. to 8 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. Hālau Malani, under direction of Kumu Hula Liana Aveiro, performs in June. Bring sun/rain gear and a sitting mat. Free, but park entrance fees apply. For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
When: June 8 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: June 22 & 28. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on the dates above.

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