News Release

May 2023 Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

A Hawaiian spinning top, or hū, made from a kukui nut

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 10, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – May brings an abundance of blooming ʻōhiʻa lehua blossoms throughout the park, and a plethora of special events from live music, to Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, living history performances and more. Mark your calendar for these May events: 

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. 

Live Music with Ola Loa. Join us for a lively evening as Volcano band Ola Loa plays a free concert after dark in the park. Christopher Miller on guitar, Gary Dikito on ʻukulele and Jeff Hamilton on stand-up bass bring their unique blend of Hawaiian, rhythm & blues and classic hits to Kilauea. Locals and visitors alike will find themselves singing along with this talented trio. 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, May 2 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Let’s Play Hū. Early Hawaiians devoted time to games, amusement and relaxation. Hū, or top-spinning, was an absorbing activity for children but making hū with a kukui nut was equally engaging. Join rangers and staff from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association as they share their love and knowledge of traditional arts. 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, May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)  

Free Concert by Artist-in-Residence Sharkk Heartt. Lara Ruggles, who performs as Sharkk Heartt, is an emerging artist and activist in the music industry. Her unique style combines elements of indie pop, folk, electronica, and even jazz to create a sound that is both captivating and inspiring and draws comparisons to Sylvan Esso and Florence and the Machine. The National Parks Arts Foundation selected Lara as the park’s Artist in Residence for the month of May where she will write and perform new music while getting inspired by the park’s many amazing landscapes. 
When: Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. 
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station 

Anchialine Pools: Windows to Hidden Hawaiʻi. Anchialine pools are one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth that few people know exist. These coastal pools provide critical habitat for ʻōpae ʻula (endemic shrimp) and other native species, and Hawaiʻi Island is home to 650 of the 700 anchialine pools in the state. Join Anne Farahi, lead aquatic biologist for the National Park Service Pacific Island Network Inventory & Montioring division and anchialine enthusiast and park ranger Dean Gallagher on a virtual plunge into hidden Hawaiʻi. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’ ongoing Kahuku Coffee Talk programs, and sponored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free admission, and Kaʻū coffee will be available for sale.
When: Saturday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station  

The Battle of the Bitter Rain. It was a time of feathered capes, shark-toothed clubs, and long spears. A time when warring chiefs battled for control of the islands. One such fierce battle took place partially within what is today Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join retired park ranger, Jay Robinson as he transports us back to a time when control of the island of Hawai'i teetered on the brink at a place and time known as the Battle of the Bitter Rain. 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, May 23 at 7 p.m.  
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium   

Living History at Kahuku: Nani O Kahuku. Re-live a day on the Kamehameha Schoolsʻ historic Kahuku Ranch and join us for a one-woman living history play performed by Alya-Joy Kanehailua. The in-situ performance is based on a journal written by Hannah Piʻilani Jones, daughter of George Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. FREE! Performances are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and reservations are required. Email Wendy Vance, e-mail us to reserve your seat and for detailed directions.  
When: Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Kamehameha Schools Kahuku Ranch property. Directions provided when you make reservations. 

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, May 5, 12, 19 & 26 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. 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: May 19 & 27. 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 
 

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