Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has a number of free events scheduled to take place throughout the month of June. The following programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Battle of Midway: A Japanese Perspective. The Battle of Midway, June 4 – 7, 1942, marked a turning point in World War II. The U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy would stand toe-to-toe battling for control of the Pacific. From the first decoded messages to the strategic decisions that would alter the course of history, Ben Hayes, historian and program manager for the park’s Interpretation & Education team, takes visitors through this epic conflict from a different perspective. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Ulana Lau Hala Demonstration. Visitors will be given the opportunity to learn to weave lau hala with practitioners from ʻAha Pūhala o Puna. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s 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 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)
Saving Wahi Pana (Storied Places) in Kaʻū. Visitors can discover how the County of Hawaiʻi Public Access, Open Space, Natural and Cultural Resource Commission (PONC) program are preserving public access, open space, and natural and cultural resources in Kaʻū. Presented by Alexandra Kelepolo and Jodie Rosam. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs and sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free admission, and Kaʻū coffee will be available for sale.
When: Saturday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
Bert Naihe in Concert. Born and raised in Hilo, Bert enjoys the art of Hawaiian music and performs with Hālau o ka Ua Kanilehua and Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, June 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Uēkahuna, Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. For decades, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum has welcomed people from all over the world, sharing volcano science and Hawaiian culture adjacent to the awe-inspiring view that is Kīlauea volcano. The earthquakes of the 2018 eruption and summit collapse damaged the foundations of the historic buildings beyond repair. Join Jadelyn Moniz-Nakamura, Ph.D., as she takes guests on a journey through the past of this sacred place known as Uēkahuna. The evolution of the area will be shared on the eve of the park’s efforts to restore a more natural landscape and provide a dramatic viewing area and rest stop for locals and visitors alike. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Artist-in-Residence Comics Journalist Andy Warner Returns! New York Times bestselling comics journalist, author and artist Andy Warner is the park’s June artist in residence. Andy will present the creative mind behind the art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the National Parks Arts Foundation. Free, but park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, June 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Explore Kahuku. The Kahuku Unit, one of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s best-kept secrets, is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided ranger programs and talks are offered on the weekends. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
When: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Enter Kahuku on the inland side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5.
A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar. Walk back to 1939 and talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life.Visitors can 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, participants can pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. This program is subject to cancellation during inclement weather. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.
When: Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each performance is about an hour.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center
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. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required. Visit the park website for details.
When: June 2, 10, 16, 24 & 30. Meet at 8:45 a.m.
Where: Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center on any of the above dates.
Explore the Summit and Other Ranger-Led Walks. Discover Kīlauea volcano on an easy one-hour, ranger-led walk offered daily. Other ranger-led programs may be offered; check with rangers at Kīlauea Visitor Center for additional programs.
When: Explore the Summit is offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai
Photo credit: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
