News Release
![Comedian Ben Miller A comedian peforms on stage with a large projection screen and an image of a child wearing a seatbelt in a car. Text on the photo says "are we there yet?"](/havo/learn/news/images/Courtesy_BenMillerHAVOperf03.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Ben Miller
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Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – This just in! The newly selected Hawaii Volcanoes National Park artist in residence for February is stand-up comedian Ben Miller who will host a free performance at Kahuku on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon:JUST ADDED! Comedian Ben Miller. The National Park Arts Foundation has selected science-based comedian Ben Miller as the February artist in residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – the non-profit’s first-ever comedian artist. Miller is a New York City-based scientist-turned-comedian who has entertained at top clubs including the Broadway Comedy Club, Stand Up NY, The Stand, and as a child, had a picture in his bedroom of Mauna Loa erupting. During his month-long park residency, he will liaise with park rangers, scientists and other local residents and will ultimately combine humor and fact to explain volcanic processes in humorous context in a special Kahuku performance.
When: Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
Other February events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park previously shared in a park news release include a Hawaiian carving demonstration, talks about the rare and unique species and habitats the park protects, in addition to ongoing ranger-led programs, Kahuku coffee talks and more!
All events are free, but entrance fees may apply. Some programs are sponsored by 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 website and calendar for more information: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
Monitoring Seabirds in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) and the ʻakēʻakē (band-rumped storm petrel) are seabirds that spend most of their lives on the open ocean, coming to land only to breed. These endangered species nest in burrows on the barren lava flows of Mauna Loa within the park. Join Charlotte Forbes Perry, biologist with the University of Hawaiʻi Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and Dr. Michelle Reynolds and Slater of Hawaiʻi Detector Dogs to share what they found during the 2022 seabird monitoring system. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs.
When: Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Learn to Carve Hawaiian-Style. Hawaiians carved kiʻi (statues) to represent forces of nature, guardians and the spirit world. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui Jr., who has worked on the sacred site of Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma Heiau on Kauaʻi, will share his expertise and the essential role kiʻi played in Hawaiian society. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs.
When: Wednesday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)
Virtual Visit to Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument. Papahānaumokuākea is the single largest, fully protected conservation area on Earth as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian monk seals, threatened Hawaiian green sea turtles, and over 14 million seabirds. Native Hawaiian cultural reconnection with these islands, and active leadership in management, has also ensured this protection is lasting. Join Andy Collins, Education Coordinator with the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, as we take a virtual visit to this amazing and remote part of Hawaiʻi, hear how it’s managed, and see what lies ahead. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs.
When: Tuesday, February 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Ben Kaʻili in Concert. Come enjoy Hilo’s own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Ben Kaʻili and friends in concert. Part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
When: Wednesday, February 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Kahuku Coffee Talk: Anchialine Pools. Anchialine pools host one of the rarest ecosystems on earth, yet few people have ever heard of them. Hawai‘i Island is home to approximately 650 of the estimated 700 or so anchialine pools in the state. Join Aquatic Biologist Anne Farahi along with Park Ranger Dean Gallagher on a virtual visit into this hidden realm and meet the charming and endemic ʻōpaeʻula, a tiny shrimp. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs.
When: Saturday, February 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
ONGOING PROGRAMS
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., and it’s free! Guided ranger programs and talks are offered on the weekends, check the park calendar for more info. 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 mauka (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. 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; 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, February 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 10 a.m. and noon. 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. 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: February 4, 10, 17 & 25. 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
-NPS-
Last updated: February 1, 2023