SOURCE: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i – The National Park Service is continuing its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in the month of June. All programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Programs are co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Here’s the list of events:

Helen Wong Smith

Kapo‘eno‘ono‘o: Early Native Hawaiian Scholars. We rely on the works of Davida Malo, John Papa ‘I‘i, Samuela Kamakau, Kepelino, and S.N. Hale‘ole for insight on the history, cultural practices, literature and genealogies of pre-contact Hawai‘i. Former park archivist Helen Wong Smith specializes in Hawaiian archival material, and serves on the Council of the Society of American Archivists as the first archivist from Hawai‘i since 1968, explains how these men straddled two cultures, how their efforts provide us with unadulterated knowledge of wā kaiko (ancient times), and how can we access their publications in the digital era. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, and your $2 donation helps support After Dark programs.
When: Tues., June 10, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

photo courtesy HVNP

“Backyard” Lei-Making Demonstration. Join kumu hula Mamo Brown as she demonstrates three different lei styles: wili, hipu‘u, and hilo, using backyard foliage. If you want to see what you can make from your backyard, pick and bring some with you to this demonstration! Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., June 11, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

photo courtesy HVNP

Hula Performance. Enjoy an evening of hula with Hālau Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū, under the direction of kumu hula Mamo Brown. A lifelong resident of Hilo, Mamo was formally trained by Nalani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele of Hālau o Kekuhi in the ‘ai ha‘a, or low bombastic, style of hula. After her uniki (graduation), Mamo started her own hālau and is carrying on this traditional form of hula. Part of the park’s ongoing “Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” performances. Free.
When: Wed., June 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Carl Ray Villaverde, courtesy HVNP (formatted by BIVN)

Carl Ray Villaverde in Concert. Multi-talented musician and Hilo native Carl Ray Villaverde has returned to Hawai‘i Island! Welcome Carl home, and listen to him perform in this rare concert opportunity. After spending more than a decade on the mainland teaching ‘ukulele and guitar at Santa Barbara City College and performing throughout California, Carl returns to the islands with his new CD, Hawaiian Magic, on sale at the show. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free, and your $2 donation helps support After Dark programs.
When: Tues., June 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Oral Abihai, courtesy HVNP (formatted by BIVN)

Hawaiian ‘Ukulele Demonstration. Join Oral Abihai as he shares his passion for making ‘ukulele from discarded or naturally fallen pieces of wood. Learning only several years ago in Lahaina from Kenny Potts, he has since made more than 50 ‘ukulele. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai