March 2023 Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaiʻi – March events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park include a Hawaiian healing plants demonstration, taiko drumming, a talk about food security and aquaculture in Hawaiʻi, in addition to ranger-led programs, a fierce Kahuku coffee talk 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. Lāʻau Lapaʻau – Healing with Plants and Spirituality. Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Momi Subiono shares how local plants are used to nourish and heal. See and touch a variety of traditional medicinal plants, including kukui, noni, ‘ōlena, kī and others. Free, but park entrace fees apply. 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, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center) Puna Taiko Live in Concert. Come experience the thunderous sounds and stunning stylized choreography of traditional Japanese drumming with the Puna Taiko drum group under the direction of Paul Sakamoto. Puna Taiko specializes in kumi-daiko (ensemble) style and their art is a celebrated symbol of heritage and culture for the Japanese American community. 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, March 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium Keōuakuʻahuʻula & Kamehameha: Cousins and Bitter Rivals. Hawaiian warriors fought fierce battles throughout Kaʻū in the late 1700s. Keōuakuʻahuʻula, beloved son of Kaʻū and heir apparent of his father, Chief Kalaniopuʻu, struggled to regain control of Hawaiʻi Island from his cousin and rising king, Kamehameha. Join retired Park Ranger and Kaʻū resident Jay Robinson to hear about the hand-to-hand combat in the Battle of the Bitter Rain and the Battle of the Stolen Cannon, two brutal battles between the cousins that raged in our backyards. 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, March 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 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. NEW TIMES! 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, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 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: March 3, 11, 17, 25 & 31. 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