Media release | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i National Park, HI – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will celebrate the 48th annual Merrie Monarch Festival by offering Park visitors free ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs and live Hawaiian music Wednesday through Friday, April 27 – 29. E komo mai!

All programs are offered free of charge at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Park admission fees apply.)

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture through these fun programs:

Nose Flute Workshop. Join Park Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki and create your own ‘ohe hano ihu, or bamboo nose flute. Singer/songwriter Rupert Tripp, Jr. will also perform. When: Wed., Apr. 27; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lei Making. Patricia Kaula and her daughter Lehua Hauanio will share the art of lei making. Hawaiians use lei for blessing crops, adornment for hula dancers, in healing and sacred rituals, and much more. Lei can be made from
many items, including leaves, flowers, shells and seeds. When: Thurs., Apr. 28 and Fri., Apr. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feather Kahili Making. Join the Makuakāne ‘ohana as they share the arts of Hawaiian culture. Violet May and daughter Helene will demonstrate the art of making a feather kahili, a symbol of royalty. Join them and make your own kahili to take home. Singer/songwriter Kenneth Makuakāne will play original songs from his solo albums, The Dash and Makuakāne. When: Thurs. Apr. 28 and Fri. Apr. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Create Ahu Lā‘ī. Ahu Lā‘ī, or ti leaf capes, were fashioned by attaching individual stems of the ti leaf to a net mesh. It was worn over the shoulders to protect the wearer from driving winds and rains. Join Park Ranger Jason Zimmer as he shares his knowledge and skills in making a cape, or better yet, try your hand and add a few leaves to the cape. When: Thurs. Apr. 28 and Fri. Apr. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.