News Release

June 2023 Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

From 2008 to 2018, a visit to Jaggar Museum included some of the best nighttime lava viewing in the park.

NPS Photo/J.Wei

News Release Date: May 9, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ferracane, 808-985-6018

Note: this news was release was updated on June 14, 2023. Local musician Mark Yamanaka will perform on June 21 for the Nā Leo Manu concert due to the unfortunate passing of Uncle Bert Naihe. 

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – The longer days of summer are here and that means more daylight to enjoy Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Mark your calendar for these June 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.

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 us 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. Learn to weave lau hala with practitioners from ʻAha Pūhala o Puna. Hawaiians have used hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. 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. Discover how the County of Hawaiʻi Public Access, Open Space, Natural and Cultural Resource Commission (PONC) program and your tax dollars 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 

Mark Yamanaka in Concert. Come and enjoy the sweet nahenahe (soft and melodious) music of Mark Yamanaka. A 14-time Nā Hōkūhanohano award winner, Mark is a beloved local entertainer who has produced cherished albums including Lei Puakenikeni, Lei Maile, A Gift of the Heart, and his latest, Lei Lehua. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 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 us 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! Join the park in welcoming back New York Times bestselling comics journalist, author and artist Andy Warner as the artist in residence for June. Come meet Andy as he presents 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., 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, 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. 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 thepark 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 

-NPS-