Cloud over Halemaumau (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors throughout January – which is also Volcano Awareness Month.

These programs are free, but park entrance fees apply.

Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Eruption: 29 Years and Counting

Jan. 3 marks the 29th anniversary of Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption. During its first three years, spectacular lava fountains spewed episodically from the Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent. Since then, nearly continuous lava effusion has built a vast plain that stretches from the east rift to the sea. This past year has seen many changes, including fissure eruptions and the collapse and refilling of the vent’s lava lake. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geologist Tim Orr will review highlights from the past 29 years and discuss recent developments on Kilauea’s east rift zone. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

What’s Happening in Halemaumau Crater?

In March 2008, a new volcanic vent opened in Halemaumau, at the summit of Kilauea. Since then, the eruption has consisted of continuous degassing, occasional explosive events, ongoing ash emissions, and fluctuating lava pond activity in an open vent that has grown to more than 430 feet wide. While the eruption enthralls visitors, it also provides an abundance of data and insights for scientists. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick will present an overview of Kilauea’s summit eruption. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s First 100 Years

In 2012, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reaches its centennial milestone – 100 years of continuous volcano monitoring in Hawaii. Join HVO Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua as he talks about Thomas Jaggar’s vision for the observatory, how Frank Perret began the work of monitoring Kilauea Volcano, and HVO’s accomplishments during the past century. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Na Lei with Patricia Kaula

Hawaiians use lei for blessing crops, adornment for hula dancers, in healing and sacred rituals, and to show royal status or rank. Lei are also given to honor guests or as peace offerings, to celebrate a birth, and as expressions of love and expression. Join master lei artist Patricia Kaula as she shares na lei, the art of traditional and modern lei making. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

Kenneth Makuakane Live in Concert

Join 12-time Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Kenneth Makuakane as he shares songs from his latest albums, The Dash, White Bath Tub, Makuakane, and other compositions. A prolific songwriter, his songs are performed at the Merrie Monarch Festival and his music is featured on the soundtracks for motion pictures including Honeymoon in Las Vegas and Parent Trap in Paradise. Kenneth is widely recognized as an innovator in Hawaiian music and has more than 100 albums to his producing credit. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing N Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Mauna Loa: How Well Do You Know the Volcano in Your Backyard?

Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, comprises more than half of the surface area of Hawaii Island. Mapping and dating show that 95 percent of this active volcano is covered with lava flows less than 10,000 years old. Since 1843, it has erupted 33 times. When Mauna Loa erupts, fast-moving, voluminous lava flows can reach the sea in hours, severing roads and utilities, repaving the flanks and building new land. The growth of Mauna Loa is far from complete as this huge volcano will undoubtedly erupt again. Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volcanologist Frank Trusdell as he talks about Mauna Loa’s eruptive history and current status. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Traditional Lei Making

Join kumu hula Ab Kawainohoikalai Valencia and his wife Puamaeole O’Mahoney as they share the traditions of lei making for hula. Lei making is a vital and important part of the hula heritage and together, this husband-and-wife team teach the traditions handed down by generations. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 25
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

Kilauea’s Volcanic Gases and Their Environmental Impact

As magma rises from Earth’s mantle to the surface, volcanic gases expand, driving the spectacular fountains and flows of Hawaiian volcanoes. While Kilauea’s current eruption produces enough lava to fill a football stadium every week, it also releases huge amounts of volcanic gases. Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elias, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geochemists, offer an update about volcanic gases, especially those related to the 2008-2011 activity at Halemaumau Crater. Learn about volcanic air pollution (vog), how it forms, and what we’ve learned about its effects on our island environment. BYON (Bring Your Own Nose) to the ever-popular “gas tasting” party where you can learn to identify volcanic gases by smell. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Thomas Jaggar (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)