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 April, including extra events during Merrie Monarch week.

All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

* Eruption Cycles at Kilauea
Don Swanson, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will explain how Kilauea’s eruptive cycles were recently recognized, what they mean in terms of how the volcano works, and what are the hazards implied by long explosive periods. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

* Kalo and Laau Lapaau
Sam and Edna Baldado share the many cultural uses of the kalo, or taro, plant. Learn about the hundreds of varieties of kalo in Hawaii and how each plant is identified. Kaohu Monfort also shares her knowledge of laau lapaau, and how Hawaiian medicinal plants can help heal and nourish. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

* Musical Performance by Rupert Tripp, Jr.
Singer/songwriter Rupert Tripp, Jr. brings his love of music and decades of experience as a performer to the park. Rupert has played with many of Hawaii’s top recording artists (the Makaha Sons of Niihau, Roland Cazimero, Kapena to name a few) and is an accomplished soloist. He also plays acoustic guitar with the trio, Kohala. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

(Photo courtesy of NPS)

* Ohe Hano Ihu (Bamboo Nose Flute) Workshop.
Park Ranger Adrian Boone and National Park Service volunteer Ed Shiinoki will demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes for visitors. The ohe hano ihu is played by blowing air into a hole with one nostril and holding the other nostril closed. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday, April 12
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

* Makuakane Ohana Arts & Music
Celebrate Merrie Monarch with the Makuakane ohana as they share the arts and music of Hawaiian culture. Mother Violet May and daughter Helene will teach the art of making a feather kahili, a symbol of royalty. Brother Kenneth, a singer, songwriter and producer, will play original songs from his albums, The Dash and Makuakane as well as from his other award-winning compositions. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13
Where: Klauea Visitor Center lanai

* 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 nā 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.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai

* Pomai in Concert
Contemporary Nā Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer, songwriter and recording artist Pomai Longakit shares her original songs and her latest hit, “Another Rainbow,” at Hawaii Volcanoes. Pomai is one half of the brother and sister duo, Pomai and Loeka, known worldwide for their song, “Come Aama Crab,” and she hosts a popular radio show on Hawaii Island’s KWXX every Saturday and Sunday morning. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

* Endemic Hawaiian Flowers: A Celebration of World Heritage.
In 1987, Hawaii Volcanoes was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due in part to the high number of endemic species it protects. This year the park celebrates 25 years of World Heritage by offering a series of special programs about the natural and cultural resources in the park. U.S. Geological Survey botanist and author Linda Pratt presents the story of Hawaii’s amazing and beautiful native flowering plants. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawaii boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium