Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is hosting a number of special events to celebrate National Park Week, which is currently running through Sunday, April 24.
Below is a summary of special events the park has planned in celebration of this nationwide celebration:
A Storybook Trail at Kahuku. Kahuku has a new self-guided storybook trail featuring Caren Lobel-Fried’s book, Legend of the Gourd (Kamahoi Press). This book is a magical re-telling of the story about the “Children of the Gourd” who live on the Kamāʻoa Plain in Kaʻū. Follow the storyboards along the trail to the top of Puʻu o Lokuana and read this beautifully illustrated tale along the way. At the top of the puʻu (hill), the panoramic view invites you to imagine the path of the gourd vine from Kamāʻoa to Kapuʻa. The storyboards are also translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
When: Kahuku is open Thursday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Puʻu o Lokuana Trail, Kahuku. The entrance is located near the 70.5 mile marker in Kaʻū, about an hour drive south of the main park entrance.
Stewardship at the Summit. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required.
When: Friday, April 22 at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
Explore the Summit with a Ranger. Discover what makes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park such special place. Take a short (up to a half-mile) walk with a ranger as you explore the summit. Topics vary from geology, ecology, to Hawaiian culture. Check at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai for more information on topics for the day, and to see additional offerings. Free (park entrance fees apply).
When: Daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
Hike Mau Loa o Maunaulu- Visitors can discover Mau Loa o Maunaulu, the “Forever Growing Mountain” while hiking with a ranger to the top of Maunaulu lava shield for panoramic views of the 1969-1974 eruption that crossed Chain of Craters Road multiple times, and dramatically changed the landscape. Participants must be able to complete the hike, bring sun protection, have closed-toed shoes, and are required to bring water. Space is limited.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. (April 19 & 21 during NP Week). Tickets are available starting at 9 a.m. the day of the hike.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will take you on a short walk to the crater rim behind Volcano House, near his former lab. You’ll learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited.
When: Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. and noon.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center
Birth of Kahuku. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this ranger-guided, two-hour, two-mile hike on Puʻu o Lokuana Trail.
When: Saturday, April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The entrance is located near the 70.5 mile marker in Kaʻū, about an hour drive south of the main park entrance.
Merrie Monarch Parade – Cheer on park rangers and native plant and animal species as they march in uniform and costume to celebrate the return of the Merrie Monarch Parade in downtown Hilo.
When: Saturday, April 23, 10:30 a.m. until pau
Where: Downtown Hilo, Merrie Monarch Festival parade route
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua. Learn about the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this easy, ranger-guided one-mile, 90-minute walk-and-talk-story program.
When: Sunday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. The entrance is located near the 70.5 mile marker in Kaʻū, about an hour drive south of the main park entrance.
Visit https://go.nps.gov/HVNP-events to learn about other Volcanoes National Park events outside of National Park Week.
