The Aloha Quilters present a custom crafted quilt to a family who has a home being built by Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii in Kawaihae.

MEDIA RELEASE

Joden Fernandez was smiling ear to ear when he was presented with a quilt with his favorite characters from the movie, Cars, at the Aloha Quilters meeting last month. He and his brother, Jax were the latest recipients of custom-designed quilts made by this group.

“The Aloha Quilters approached us about making quilts for our Habitat children and we thought that it was a wonderful gift,” stated Margo Takata, Community Relations Director. “They have completed beautifully, designed quilts for 3 of our families within the last 4 months. For most of children, it will be the first time that they get their own bedroom let alone bed to sleep on, and having a quilt of their own makes it special.”

Aloha Quilters is nearing its 25th year as a quilt group on the Big Island.  They have grown to about 50 members in recent years. The group works in traditional, contemporary, and Hawaiian styles, sharing ideas and techniques to promote quilting in Kona.

“Quilts have been an integral part of early American/pioneer life and have provided warmth and comfort down through the years,“ said Sara Alvstad, an Aloha Quilters member.  “The stories that travel with quilts of how they were made, who made them, why they were made, and where they have been are history – past and present. Donated quilts are made by members for Habitat for Humanity families and for Family Services throughout the year.  Giving quilts to others is our way to give back to the community.”  
 
You can enjoy a lot of Aloha Quilters work at the SKEA Quilt SHOW February 18-19 in Honaunau.

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona Outdoor Circle will hold its regular Pua Plantasia Plant Sale on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Old Kona Airport’s Makae’o Events Pavilion from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

More than 20 vendors from around the island will offer plants including landscape plants—native Hawaiian and drought and wind tolerant, anthuriums, potted flowers and ground cover, fruit trees, herbs, and inside plants, bedding plants and seeds and seedlings, a large variety of orchids, bamboo, water plants, ti plants, bromeliads, protea, day lilies, palms, and epiphytes—plants which grow on other plants. Most of the vendors are commercial vendors, but the Kealakehe High School Waveriders will also be there, selling plants from their school garden. Students from Kahakai School are donating some of their plants to the Kona Outdoor Circle “donated plants” booth.

There will be free classes starting at 8:30, with Worm Composting by Worms Hawaii. At 10 a.m., noted landscape designer and lifetime KOC member Scott Seymour will give a workshop on flower arranging. Honaunau Elementary School garden teacher Melissa Chievers will lead a composting workshop at 11:30. KOC will give away ten composting bins as part of the workshop.

There is also a Collectibles Booth, with small to large treasures of all kinds, including items that might be the perfect gift for your Valentine. Items so far include wine glasses, vases, jewelry, two brand new telephones, and collectibles.

Cathee Malapit, who also runs the restaurant Club Fit at The Club, will offer a variety of delicious foods for breakfast and lunch, including Kona coffee, smoothies, egg wraps, turkey chili, oriental chicken, and hot dogs.

The nonprofit organization’s first Pua Plantasia Plant Sale was in 1985. They have held the event almost annually as a means to raise funds, have a fun community event, and increase awareness of the work of Kona Outdoor Circle. KOC was established in 1948, with a mission of helping keep Kona clean, green, and beautiful. In past years they’ve held community cleanups, they’ve done public area plantings, and they get involved with public policy issues that support the mission. They’re now supporting several school garden projects, and will landscape five Habitat for Humanity homes at Laiopua above Kealakehe High School. They are also continuing their focus on education and supporting the preservation of two Scenic Byways, Ali’I Drive and Mamalahoa Highway.

This year, 2012, is also the 100th anniversary of KOC’s parent organization, The Outdoor Circle of Honolulu. The Outdoor Circle is known for its advocacy, most notably getting laws passed by the Hawaii Territorial Legislature in 1927 banning billboards to protect viewplanes and the scenic beauty of the state. Prior to The Outdoor Circle’s advocacy in this area, Waikiki, Diamond Head, and downtown Honolulu were covered with billboards. The prohibition applies statewide and all the Outdoor Circle branches are dedicated to continue their focus on ensuring the prohibition continues. The Outdoor Circle has 10 branches statewide. On Hawaii Island, branches include the Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle and Waimea Outdoor Circle, in addition to Kona Outdoor Circle.

Cash, checks, and Visa and Mastercard will be accepted for payment for the plants and Collectibles. For more information, contact Kona Outdoor Circle at 331-2426

MEDIA RELEASE

The Friends of Hawai€˜i Volcanoes National Park hosts its next 'Sunday Walk in the Park'€ on Sunday (Feb 12) from noon to 2 p.m. This month's 3-mile round-trip walk explores the Mauna Ulu area, which is home to dramatic volcanic features such as this 1969 fissure. Photo by: NPS/Jay Robinson

The public is invited to join the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park (FHVNP) for a “Sunday Walk in the Park” on February 12 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of FHVNP to share in the park’s beautiful trails.

Led by Nick Shema, this this month’s 3-mile round-trip walk explores the Mauna Ulu area.

Starting and ending at the Mauna Ulu parking lot, the hike begins on the Napau Trail, then veers off to ascend Mauna Ulu (literally, growing mountain). A recently formed shield volcano, Mauna Ulu erupted from 1969 through 1974 leaving an altered landscape of incredibly fascinating geologic features.

“Along the way, we’ll see hardened lava rivers, forested kipuka, lava trees, cinder cones, lava shields, pioneer plants, and panoramic vistas. On a clear day, you can view Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Pu‘u ‘O‘o, and the Pacific Ocean,” Shema said.

“Due to the cultural sensitivity of Mauna Ulu, group size is limited to 15 people,” he added.

This will be a moderate hike of about 3 miles roundtrip, mostly over uneven pahoehoe lava, with a 400’ foot elevation gain. Be prepared for the base 3,200’ elevation and for variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly, and/or rainy.

FHVNP’s “Sunday Walk in the Park” is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the non-profit organization in order to attend. Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families, and come with a variety of benefits.

To register, contact walk sponsor Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.

MEDIA RELEASE

Colorful tropical fabrics, aloha for one of the world’s most popular pastimes and vast, contrasting landscapes make the Big Island Quilt Shop Hop unlike any elsewhere.

During the entire month of February, eight shops participate in the circle-island quilt trek, where shop-hoppers will pick-up their custom quilt block kits and have their “passport” stamped, to be eligible for the grand prize drawing.

Maps and passports will be available at each location. Participants can start their tour at any of the venues along the route, and/or join one of two excursions by bus. (One passport per family.)

The Kona to Hilo Bus Tour takes place Saturday, Feb. 11 (price, time and location TBA). To sign up, contact Karen Barry at Quilt Passions, 329-7475.

The Hilo to Kona Bus Tour takes place Saturday, Feb. 18, departing from the Hilo Bus Depot (time TBA). The cost is $50 including lunch (subject to change).

To sign up for the Hilo Bus Tour, contact any of the three quilt shops in Hilo; Kilauea Kreations, 961-1100, Fabric Workshop, 933-1010, or Fabric Impressions, 961-4468.

Completed passports make shop-hoppers eligible for the prize drawings. First Place wins eight $25 gift certificates plus eight one-yard cuts of fabric; Second Place wins six $15 gift certificates plus six one-yard cuts of fabric; Third Place wins two $15 gift certificates plus two one-yard cuts of fabric. Numerous other prizes are available.

Each Big Island shop offers something special, with its own personality and unique location, from the lush greens of the Hilo, Volcano and Pahala areas to the paniolo hill country of Waimea/Kamuela and Kailua-Kona’s sunny shores. Various venues will offer refreshments, special sale items and unique handmade treasures as individual highlights of every stop.

This year’s theme is tropical flowers—so each store will have a different flower on its 10”x10” quilt block, to collect and complete the one-of-a-kind 2012 Big Island Shop Hop quilt. The quilt block patterns are free, or available with fabric as a kit for $6. (The background fabric for each block is Hoffman 1895, Seagrass.) If a customer purchases $35 or more in other merchandise, the fabric kit is free. “Finishing kits” will be available for purchase as well.

For more information, contact organizer Mary Moody-Cox at 961-1100 or email marymoodycox@earthlink….

Shop Hop circuit:

East Hawaii

* Pahala Quilting and Creative Sewing Center, “Orchid”
96-3208 Maile St., Pahala, HI 96777. (808) 928-0011
www.PahalaQuilting.com

* Kilauea Kreations I, “Naupaka”
19-3972 Volcano Rd., Volcano, HI 96785. (808) 967-8090
www.KilaueaKreations.c…

* Kilauea Kreations II, “Puakenikeni”
680 Manono St., Hilo, Hi 96720. (808) 961-1100
www.KilaueaKreations.c…

* The Fabric Workshop, “Anthurium”
1348 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. (808) 933-1010

* Fabric Impressions, “Hibiscus”
206 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720-2835. (808) 961-4468

West Hawaii

* Topstitch, “Heliconia”
64-1067 Mamalahoa Highway # 2, Kamuela, HI. (808) 885-4482

* The Fabric Gift Shop, “Tiare”
74-5599 Luhia St., Kailua Kona HI 96740. (808) 329-8177

* Quilt Passions and Needlework Shop, “Plumeria”
75-5626 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. (808) 329-7475
www.QuiltPassions.net

Kipukaakihi looking down in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit. Photo courtesy of NPS

Hawai‘i National Park, HI – Two adventurous programs offered by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will introduce a captivating landscape, biodiversity and history of the park’s southernmost section to intrepid hikers.

People and Land of Kahuku is a two-mile, three-hour expedition through pastures, a quarry, an airstrip and the 1868 lava fields of Kahuku. Rangers will explain how people lived on the vast Kahuku lands, from the earliest Hawaiians through today. Walk in emerging native forest, hear about Kahuku’s history of violent earthquakes and eruptions and the residents who survived them, and find out how Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park plans to restore the native ecosystem and protect Kahuku’s cultural sites.

The hike is offered Feb. 12, Feb. 18, Mar. 11, Mar. 25, Apr. 15 and Apr. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet near the Kahuku gate, which is located off Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71 on the mauka side of the highway. Park and meet inside the gate near the ranch buildings. Boots, raingear and long pants are recommended. No advance registration is required.

Kīpuka‘akihi is a challenging 1.5 mile, five-hour adventure to see some of the rare plants and wildlife that inhabit this treasured kīpuka. Participants must be prepared to scramble over fallen trees, lava rock, and slippery, wet terrain. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, sunscreen and a hat. Bring raingear, garden gloves, a day pack, insect repellent, lunch and water. This forest stewardship program provides opportunities to help protect this rainforest by pulling up invasive kāhili ginger and other invasive non-native plants throughout the kīpuka. Due to the fragile nature of the region, the program is limited to 15 people and pre-registration is required. To sign up, call (808) 985-6011.

This expedition into Kahuku’s isolated refuge of rare plants is offered Feb. 26, Mar. 18 and Apr. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet near the Kahuku gate, which is located off Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71 on the mauka side of the highway. Park and meet inside the gate near the ranch buildings.

Alexandra Allred - in her 'Jersey Couture' dress - signs books at the launch party in Texas. (Photo courtesy of Alexandra Allred)

Editor’s Note: Allred (and the dress) will be featured in the Season 2 premiere of ‘Jersey Couture’ on cable TV’s Oxygen – Channel 558. It debuts at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 and repeats later in the evening.

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

While Hawaii 24/7 dips occasionally into reviewing books about the Big Island or by local authors, the only real link here is that the author was a 7th-grade classmate of mine.

So I can only ask readers to indulge me as I shamelessly plug an old friend’s new book — ‘White Trash’ by Alexandra Allred — and her appearance on the season premiere of ‘Jersey Couture.’

After a couple years in pre-Glasnost Soviet era Moscow, our families moved on and we lost touch. It was three decades before we reconnected and discovered our lives had some parallels.

We’re both writers and enjoy telling stories, no matter the audience. We’re both still into sports and women’s issues. And we both love our animals.

While I am content with community journalism, random pet-sitting gigs and a couple faded ribbons from coaching youth soccer teams, Allred’s life trajectory bounced her from the U.S. women’s bobsled team to the Austin Rage – the women’s NFL team. She’s a horsewoman and a expert dog trainer on a Dog Whisperer level. Oh, and she’s authored nearly two dozen books.

The biggest difference between us is that she has three awesome children and I have three defective cats.

Anyway, when she sent out a mass invite late last year to her book launch party, I hopped on a plane and headed to Texas. Partly because she threatened to wear a dress – for the first time since her wedding day – and I kinda wanted to see that.

I had only read about 80 pages of “White Trash” and was just getting into the story. I planned to use the red-eye flight to finish the 470-page novel, but my seat mate on the LAX-DFW leg had other ideas.

So I didn’t exactly finish before I got to the party. Good thing my old skateboarding buddy was pleased to see me and my failure never came up.

They like to say you can’t go home, but …

However, hanging out in the Allred living room that week really was like a homecoming. And I found the small town setting, characters and story in ‘White Trash’ were not so very different from my Big Island hometown.

When Thia Franks returns to her hometown of Granby, she rediscovers all that it best and worst about small towns. Lots of things haven’t changed – Chester Kennedy’s goats are still running rampant, Officer Tina Wolfe’s mouthy attitude looks likely to land her in sensitivity classes, a gun-wielding neighbor wages war with a squirrel, and the local newspaper owner unilaterally decides what residents should know.

But when a popular, ambitious black man is murdered, things do change.

Everyone is being judged and the gossip ratchets up to ear-splitting levels. As the small police department works the biggest case in Granby history, the town’s dark secrets are revealed – domestic abuse, gunrunning, drugs, illicit sex and child molestation.

Allred has a super focus on small town people and the things that make those people chatter about themselves and their neighbors. She has an excellent ear for dialogue and gives her characters great wit.

She also treats her characters with dignity, creating the most ridiculous situations in such a matter-of-fact way that you’ll sympathize with them as you are laughing at them. Especially when the goats pop up.

While it seems every resident of Granby makes a cameo appearance in the book, the main characters are well defined and are the people you’d probably want to be friends with, if you lived in Granby.

Chances are you will recognize someone in these pages, as similar characters seem to walk the streets of all small towns, from the pages of ‘White Trash’ in rural Texas to the Big Island.

To quote Hawaii 24/7 student reporter and book reviewer Finn
Gallagher: ‘You need to get this book!’

— ‘White Trash,’ as well as its sequel ‘White Tree: The Girls Are
Back!’ and other titles by Alexandra Allred, can be found at:

www.amazon.com/White-T…

MEDIA RELEASE

Check out the Pahoa Surf Film Festival Saturday, Feb. 4 on Mainstreet Pahoa at the Akebono Theater.

Tickets for $5 in advance at Jeff Hunt Surfboards.

Sponsored by Jeff Hunt Surfboards in cooperation with Luquin’s Mexican Restaurant, Grassroots Church, Mainstreet Pahoa Association and Big Island Film Office.

The Pahoa Surf Film Festival is held the first Saturday of February at the Akebono Theater.

MEDIA RELEASE

Olelo Kanaka – Hawaii’s native language – was and continues to be the “working language” of paniolo on Hawaii ranches, but not all paniolo are native Hawaiian. In fact, paniolo come from every ethnic group and every possible combination thereof.

Among those who have distinguished themselves are cowboys of Japanese ancestry, and surnames such as Kimura, Horie, Yamaguchi, Kawamoto, Onaka, Kato, Fujii, Yamasaki, Fujitani, Hokama, Nakata, Goto, Hamada, Morifuji and Yoshimatsu are legendary for their achievements and contributions.

To honor “Paniolo Kepani” – Hawaii’s Japanese cowboys — the Paniolo Preservation Society will for the first time join the Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4, with an all-day open house at its new Paniolo Heritage Center at historic Pukalani Stables.

The community is invited free of charge to view a new exhibit created for the festival and enjoy demonstrations, talk story and more from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The PPS celebration will begin with an 8-10 a.m. Cowboy Breakfast, prepared by the Beamer-Solomon Halau o Poohala – a family with an 80-year ranching heritage.

Breakfast will include Paniolo Loco Moco made with smoked meat, and traditional cowboy pancakes with guava jelly. These pancakes are different from the pancakes most are familiar with.

They’re made simply from flour, water and a touch of salt and look rather like think crepes but have a delicious flavor all their own such that leftovers were often rolled up with jelly or smoked meat and packed by paniolo as a quick trailside snack.

Breakfast also will include steaming hot Starbucks coffee, tea or cocoa.

A $12 donation is suggested for breakfast ($5 for keiki 5-10 years old) and may be purchased ahead of time from Kamuela Liquor Store. Or, guests may purchase tickets at the door on a first come basis.

Other activities at Pukalani Stables throughout the day will include:

* Informal talk story spotlighting Japanese and Hawaiian cultural practices that helped Japanese men become revered paniolo.

* A sharing of Pukalani’s remarkable history and the significant role it played in providing exceptional mounts for Parker Ranch and also for customers from literally around the world – from U.S. General George Patton, to Japan’s prestigious Imperial Riding Club.

* Visiting the Paniolo Heritage Center’s fledgling museum exhibit that features near century-old saddles, tack, rawhide lariats and photographs dating back to the mid 1800s.

* A Hawaiian Tree Saddle exhibit and talk story by master saddlemaker Alvin Kawamoto and Sonny Keakealani.

* Learning to play the Japanese card game Hanafuda with Milton Yamasaki and friends including Hanafuda-players from Tutu’s House.

Pukalani Stables will be on the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival’s free shuttle bus route around town, or guests may walk or drive to the stables. All activities are free except breakfast and lunch offerings, beverages and PPS memorabilia.

For more information or breakfast reservations, call 854-1541, email paniolo@paniolopreserv… or visit: www.PanioloPreservatio…

Beamer-Solomon Halau O Poohala’s “Na Hala Ekolu” haumana (students) who attend Waimea Middle School, HPA and Honokaa Intermediate School, took First Place in the recent 27th Annual Mokihana Hula Competition on Kauai. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

To culminate the 150th anniversary of the Beamer-Solomon Hula Halau O Poohala, Waimea’s traditional hula school will present the third and final “Eia ka Hula (Behold the Hula), E Hula Mai Kakou (Come and Dance)” Trilogy performance 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Kahilu Theatre.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and seating is first come.

This performance will document and share through hula, music, stunning visuals including Herb Kane masterpieces, and family stories, the final chapters tracing the footsteps of the hula school’s five generations of wahine (female) dance masters whose contributions have perpetuated this Hawaiian dance legacy into the 21st century.

The focal point of this third and final presentation will be the accomplishments of fifth generation Loea (hula master), Kumu Hula Hulali Solomon Covington, whose impressive style as a choreographer has earned the halau numerous local and national awards and made possible the performance of the “Eia Ka Hula” series before audiences in prestigious theaters in New York, New Mexico, Japan, Tahiti and throughout the State of Hawaii.

The halau also has been invited to present a portion of “Eia Ka Hula” when it represents the USA at the July 2012 world famous Folkmoot International Friendship Dance Festival in North Carolina along side of dance troupes from 20 other nations.

Loea (hula master) is the title given to an individual who is proficient and entrusted to become the cultural keeper of a particular style of hula, chant or music. Loea are allowed to enhance the characteristics of the style, whereas, a Kumu Hula is an instructor of a style of hula from a specific school of thought.

Loea Hulali’s impressive style of dance teaches the art of precision body movement. To master the complexity and the proper execution of the Beamer-Solomon halau’s basic foot patterns takes seven years of dedicated practice.

Members of the Beamer-Solomon halau also are instructed by Loea Hulali in a dance discipline woven with traditional Hawaiian core values of aloha, love, lokahi and unity. Students’ adherence to these values prepares a dancer mentally, spiritually and physically to perform as a soloist and within a group.

With the assistance of sister Malama Solomon, who serves as Kakau Olelo for the halau, and her daughter, Leiomalama Tamasese Solomon, who is the halau’s lead dancer, Loea Hulali has overcome the ongoing challenges of perpetuating a traditional native cultural dance in the 21st. century.

The key to the continuance of the art form is Loea Hulali’s and Kakau Olelo Malama’s abilities to connect native Hawaiian hula mana’o (thoughts) dating back to the 1700′s to students and families as they live in today’s world.

“This identity link demands constant creativity, however once the associations are made by the student, families and the audience, we have achieved our goal and insurance that the dance will continue,” said Kakau Olelo Solomon.

Featured guest artists include Kumu Hula Keala Ching and dancers from his foundation, Na Wai Iwi Ola, as well as Na Mele O Po’ohala (musicians) lead guitarist Russell Paio, bass player and falsetto singer Nathan Grace and Hawaiian Slack Key guitarist Ikaika Marzo and Alakai (halau assistant) Stephanie Apolo. Providing additional media arts support are Joy Downey and Ari Bernstein.

Tickets for the final trilogy performance may be pre-ordered by email: poohala2002@yahoo.com, or by calling Loea Covington at 938-6357. Remaining tickets will be available on the day of the performance, they can be purchased beginning at 4:30 p.m.

— Find out more:
www.kahilutheatre.org

UPDATE, 12/2/1:30 a.m.

The deadline for Designer for a Day’s community project has been extended through Feb. 17.

MEDIA RELEASE

In the spirit of starting 2012 with something new and fresh, Designer for a Day announced it’s debuting a special project to benefit community non-profit organizations.

Designer for a Dream features a free design makeover of a chosen space for selected non-profit groups.

“We’ve seen the incredible impact our unique service has made on our residential and business clients,” said Jean Wall, ASID. “We understand how important this could be for our non-profit groups and are proud to introduce the inaugural Designer for a Dream project.”

Because Designer for a Day offers online design service by reviewing photos and providing a detailed consultation, neighbor island non-profits are also encouraged to apply.

Here’s how Designer for a Dream works:

Interested non-profit groups should send the following information to Designer for a Day:

1) name, 2) mission, 3) groups served, 4) photos (JPEG format) of desired makeover space and 5) short paragraph (less than 150 words) of how Designer for a Dream would make a difference.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 3.

Four selected non-profit groups will be contacted by Wednesday, Feb. 29. One group will receive an afternoon design service makeover ($750 value) and three groups (including one neighbor island community group) will receive a detailed consultation ($400 value).

“If you know a non-profit group that would benefit from Designer for a Dream, please submit a nomination or encourage the organization to contact us,” said Joan Robinson-Whitaker, ASID. “We’re very excited to offer this service to our non-profits that do so much for the community.”

Designer for a Day is a collaboration of award-winning interior designers Jean Wall, ASID, and Joan Robinson-Whitaker, ASID, who collectively have more than 50 years of design experience. This talented team provides a service that redesigns a room/s or an office/s in a matter of hours, at an affordable price.

Using the existing furniture, art, and accessories, Designer For A Day analyzes a client’s needs and vision, and then transforms the interior, creating incredibly beautiful living and working spaces that reflect the client’s unique tastes, personalities, lifestyles and work environments.

— Find out more:
Designer for a Day: (808) 486-9191, www.designerforadayhaw…

MEDIA RELEASE

Enthusiasts of Hawaiian song, dance and culture will converge on the grounds of Keauhou Beach Resort this year for Aloha Music Camp.

Two weeklong retreats are scheduled in 2012 – Feb. 5-11 and July 1-7.

Each retreat will feature classes in ukulele, slack key guitar, hula, oli (chant) and Hawaiian storytelling as well as cultural activities including lei making and crafting instruments.

Registration is currently open for artisans of all ages and skill levels interested in receiving lessons from top island musicians and performing artists to enhance their musical talents.

“This is the fourth year Keauhou Beach Resort has hosted Aloha Music Camp and each year we look forward to the grounds coming alive with the unique sights and sounds of Hawaii,” said Jim Heather, general manager at Keauhou Beach Resort. “From the classes being offered and Keauhou’s historic grounds, travelers can find a refreshingly authentic experience of our island home.”

Presented by Keola Beamer and the Mohala Hou Foundation, Aloha Music Camp features contextual learning modeled after the teaching structure of Old Hawaii. Classes are small to allow ample one-on-one interaction with world-class musicians and performing artists.

The February camp will feature the following celebrated local instructors:

* Alan Akaka, steel guitar
* Kaliko Beamer-Trapp, Hawaiian language and ukulele
* Keola Beamer, slack key guitar
* Moanalani Beamer, hula and lei making
* Dr. Samual Gon III, oli (chant)
* Uluwehi Guerrero, hula
* Ozzie Kotani, slack key guitar
* Dennis Lake, ukulele building
* Herb Ohta, Jr., ukulele
* Anakala Philipo Solatario, storytelling and kukakuka (discussion)

Participation in Aloha Music Camp is $1,400 for adults and $600 for children 12 years of age or younger and includes daily instruction, concert, “talk story” sessions and all lunches and dinners throughout the week of camp.

A non-instructional adult rate is available for partners or spouses at $1,000 and includes participation in all events and meals for those who want to tag along to paradise. Accommodations are not included in camp rates.

Registration is now being accepted for both Aloha Music Camp sessions. To register, visit: www.alohamusiccamp.com

Camp participants can also make room reservations through this website or by calling the Keauhou Beach Resort Reservations Department at 808-324-2515.

Keauhou Beach Resort is offering Aloha Music Camp participants special rates starting at $130 for an ocean view room or $140 for deluxe ocean view accommodations. For additional information on the hotel’s services and amenities, visit: www.keauhoubeachresort…

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiian Cultural & After Dark in the Park Programs

Hawai‘i National Park, HI – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors throughout February. These programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Momi Subiono

Lā‘au Lapa‘au with Momi Subiono. Momi is a native Hawaiian practitioner of Hawaiian massage (lomilomi), kapa making (bark cloth), and lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian medicinal plants and practices). She creates natural herbal products to help the Hawaiian community. Her goal is to create a renewed awareness, understanding and use of traditional Hawaiian plants for healing. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa

Nā Wa‘a: The Canoe. Nā Wa‘a is an epic, multi-generational presentation on Hawaiian canoes, their various methods of construction, and the formative influence of the wa‘a (canoe) on Hawai‘i’s past, present, and future. Join Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa as he takes us on a voyage of Hawaiian canoes, from the first arrivals, to working fishing vessels, giant war canoes and the sleek modern racing craft of today. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Mark Yamanaka: Live in Concert. Join award-winning singer/songwriter Mark Yamanaka in concert. Mark will share songs from his critically acclaimed debut CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni, which earned him four Nā Hoku Hanohano awards in 2011: Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Most Promising Artist, and Song of the Year. Mark is one of three musicians to sweep all four categories with a debut CD. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.
When: Wed., Feb. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Violet May Makuakāne

Feather Kāhili-Making. Mother/daughter team Violet May Makuakāne and Helene Hayselden will demonstrate the art of making a feather kāhili, a symbol of Hawaiian royalty. Simply watch and learn, or join in and make your own kāhili to take home. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.
When: Wed., Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Don’t Look Back. Hawaiian Myths Made New. The perpetuation of Hawaiian culture is alive and well in this beautiful new collection of 17 favorite mo‘olelo (tales), edited by Hawai‘i author Christine Thomas. The tales are retold with a modern twist by some of Hawai‘i’s most notable writers, including Ian MacMillan, Maxine Hong Kingston, Ku‘ualoha Ho‘omanawanui, W.S. Merwin, and others, including nationally best-selling novelist and Waimea resident Darien Gee – aka Mia King – who will join Thomas for this special reading and book signing. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

(Photo courtesy of Bob Fewell)

MEDIA RELEASE

The 19th annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival has a full lineup of multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations, more than 100 crafters, a new quilt show and food booths 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at various venues sprawling through town — look for pink banners identifying site locations.

Organized by members of the upcountry community and the county’s department of parks and recreation, the festival marks the blooming of the historic cherry trees at Church Row Park and celebrates the age-old Japanese tradition of hanami, which translates to “cherry blossom viewing party.” After a seasonal winter chill, the trees typically are blooming in February.

This year’s community festival is part of the nationwide 100-year anniversary that marks the 1912 planting of cherry trees along the Potomac River in Washington D.C. The Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial celebration features the planting of cherry trees across the nation as a continued symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Using seeds presented from the Embassy of Japan that are especially suited to Hawaii’s climate, seedlings were cultivated last fall for planting at the festival.

One seedling, Cerasus jamasakura Cv. Sendaiya, will be ceremoniously planted 10:30 a.m. in Church Row Park by Mayor Billy Kenoi; Yoshihiko Kamo, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu; and Dr. Tetsuo Koyama, director of the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden,

This year’s festival also commemorates three paniolo: Charles T. Kimura, Charles T. Onaka and Jamie Dowsett. The Big Isle residents will be recognized by Kenoi during opening festivities on the entertainment stage behind Parker Ranch Center.

The official festival program will be included just prior to the event in the North Hawaii News and also distributed at festival venues. It includes a map with activity locations and details on the many presenting organizations.

Festival parking is available at Parker Ranch Center and the soccer field across Church Row Park. A free shuttle offers transportation among festival venues with stops at Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Hwy. 190, Parker Ranch Center’s back parking lot and Church Row Park. A quick rundown of festival activities at various locations follows (times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. unless specified otherwise).

Church Row Park

* Historical Cherry Tree Display: Waimea Lions’ Club offers a pictorial history of the cherry trees and serves as the festival’s official Lost and Found station. The Lions will also collect used eyeglasses, offer vision screening and sell pancake breakfast tickets

* Bonsai: The Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club offers a display and sale of bonsai, ongoing demonstrations and a clinic to discuss and work on the art of bonsai

* Cooking Demos at Kamuela Hongwanji: Big Isle chefs offer cooking demonstrations with free samples

* Japanese Cultural Demos/Entertainment at Kamuela Hongwanji: Enjoy taiko drumming and learn the time-honored art of origami by Kikuko Kibe and furoshiki (gift wrapping cloth)

* Asian Collectibles/Food Sales at Kamuela Hongwanji: Church organizations sell Asian-themed collectibles, cherry blossom note cards, lanterns made from recycled beverage cans, cherry tree seedlings and cherry blossoms in mugs, temple cookbooks. Asian foods: Inari sushi, teriyaki chicken bowl, nishime, manju, andagi and prune mui

* Cherry Tree Planting: Seedling planted by dignitaries as part of the Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial, 10:30 a.m., Hamakua end of park

* Martial Arts Demonstrations throughout the day

* Food Sales at Imiola Church: Saimin, cherry ice cream and local delicacies

Parker Ranch Center- Hwy. 19

* Festival Entertainment Stage: In the back parking lot. Opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. kick off continuous entertainment until 3 p.m.: Bon Odori Taiko, bon dance, Japanese Preschool presentation, Kumu Hula Michael Pang’s Hula Halau Ka Noeau, Lono Kanakaole Trio, Kenny Endo’s Taiko, Darlene Ahuna, Kuhao Case and Tai Shoji Taiko.

* Craft Fair: More than 100 crafters inside Center and in the back parking lot, cherry tree seedlings for sale in back parking lot

* Mochi Tsuki Pounding: Help pound mochi using 500 pounds of rice with the Kona Hongwanji Mission outside the Fireside Food Court starting 10 a.m.; free samples

* Mana Christian Ohana Church – (Formerly Kahilu Town Hall)

Behind Parker Ranch Center

* Ka Hui Kapa Apana O Waimea’s Festival of Quilts: Show by six clubs: Sew N Sews of Waikoloa, Anuenue Quilters of North Hawaii, Mauna Kea Quilters, Laulima O Hamakua, Sew Fun After School and the host Ka Hui Kapa Apana. Show honors the late Nancy Donigan and displays the commemorative Aloha Airlines Quilt and sells crafts. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

* Car Show: Hamakua side of parking lot

Waimea Historic Corner-Hwys. 19/190 intersection

* Firehouse Gallery Art Demos/Exhibition: Waimea Arts Council (WAC) presents a members’ invitational show with a cherry blossom theme. WAC members demonstrate paper, painting and jewelry making, plus sidewalk chalk drawings for all ages, while Waimea Community Theatre presents scenes from the upcoming production, “The Hollow.” Kohala Taco & Burger will sell tacos as a fundraiser for the arts organization.

Parker School-Hwy. 19

* Waimea Town Market/Performing Arts: Farmers Market open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. with calligraphy instruction, on-site stone oven featured fresh-baked bread, artisan products sale and a performance by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii-Kohala at 10 and 11 a.m., plus Okinawan dance.

Parker Ranch Historic Homes-Hwy. 190

* Cultural Demos/Performing Arts/Food: Enjoy ritual Japanese tea ceremony led by Emi Wakayama, the Sakura Ensemble on shakuhachi (bamboo flute) clarinet and piano; plus a display of oriental art and kimonos. Portuguese bean soup, smoked meat bowls and malasadas will be served.

Paniolo Heritage Center at Historic Pukalani Stables-End of Pukalani St. (turn south off Hwy. 19 at Ace Hardware)

* Paniolo Kepani-Hawaii’s Japanese Cowboys: Cowboy breakfast featuring smoked meat omelets and authentic paniolo pancakes 8-10 a.m. for $12 donation, lunch offerings later; talk story sessions by Paniolo Preservation Society featuring Japanese and Hawaiian cultural practices, Japanese cowboy exhibit including master saddlemaker Alvin Kawamoto, display of historic ranching artifacts and photos, and learn to play Japanese card game, Hanafuda, with Milton Yamasaki.

Topstitch-Holomua Center, Kamamalu St.

* Quilt Exhibit: by the Mauna Kea Quilters Guild and Topstich Fabric & Needlecraft. Make It and Take It free activity.

Kamuela Liquors-Hwy. 19

* Sake Tasting: Noon-3 p.m.

Kuhio Hale-Hwy. 19

* Farmer’s Market: More than 20 members of the Hawaiian Homestead Market offer a variety of products 7 a.m.-noon

Ginger Farm- (old Anderson Homestead) MM 55 across from Puu Nani St. on Hwy. 19

* Japanese Home Tour/Tea Tasting/Art Fun: Self-guided tour through traditional Japanese style home; Parker School students serve cherry tea and show keiki how to make a cherry blossom hanging scroll.

(Photo courtesy of Bob Fewell)

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS & FOOD SAMPLINGS

“Church Row” is already blushing pink as Waimea gets ready for the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, from one end of town to the other. Not to be missed, some of the island’s most popular chefs prepare to wow tasters with cooking demonstrations and food samplings at Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, on Saturday, February 4 from 9:15 a.m.to 1:45 p.m.

“We’ve expanded our culinary demonstrations this year,” said chef organizer Margo Mau-Bunnell. “Everyone loves to watch the chefs at work and sample their cuisine. And for the 19th year of Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, our participants asked the chefs to go ahead and prepare a variety of different dishes, not necessarily limited to Japanese or Asian cuisine. We’ll have delicious tastings that highlight their restaurants’ specialties.”

Featured chefs will represent the following exceptional restaurants:

* 9:15–9:45 a.m. Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Queens’ MarketPlace -Waikoloa Beach Resort. Award-winning cuisine from one of the Kohala Coast’s most popular restaurants, featuring Chef Shane Torres.

* 10–10:45 a.m. Waikoloa Grill ‘n Bar (Formerly known as Buzz’s Sandtrap), Waikoloa Beach Resort. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy delicious dining on the Beach Course, featuring Chef Helgi Olafson.

* 11–11:45 a.m. Boat Landing Cantina, Hilton Waikoloa Village,Waikoloa Beach Resort. Where “Hola Meets Aloha” in Mexico’s Pacific cuisine with a fresh island flair, featuring Executive Chef Charles Charbonneau.

* 12-12:45 p.m. Sansei Steak, Seafood & Sushi Bar, Queens’ MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Award-winning cuisine from one of the Kohala Coast’s most popular restaurants, featuring Chef Eric Rouelle.

* 1-1:45 p.m. Charley’s Thai Cuisine, Queens’MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Exotic tastes with just the right spice for a celebration, featuring Chef Mario Rillon.

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is a full day of entertainment, food demonstrations, art and crafts, cultural and historic activities throughout the town.

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is produced by the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department. Overseen by the park’s culture education administrator, Roxcie Waltjen, the festival is a community-wide effort by a dedicated team of volunteers, 961-8706.

For further information, contact WaimeaCherryBlossom@gm…

To find out more about the chef demonstrations and food tastings, call 345-9364.

Agyai Marshall, an employee of Home Depot in Hilo, performs a song he wrote for the 2012 Home Depot Search for A Star Competition. The top four winners get an all expenses paid trip to perform at the annual managers meeting in Las Vegas.

MEDIA RELEASE

Please join us for our annual membership meeting and general celebration of the arts on Sunday (Jan 29) from 2–5 p.m.!

Music will be provided by the Sakura Ensemble and the Kahikina’s Nahenahe Ohana and friends. Complimentary light pupus and beverages. On display will be new works using found objects by Jozuf Hadley, Kathleen Dunphy, Jean Love, Peter Underwood and other members of the South Kona Art group. There will also be a White Elephant silent auction of new and gently used items. If you have anything you would like to donate, you may bring it to the meeting or drop it by the office, or call us at 328-9392.

Come renew your connection to SKEA and catch up with old friends at this free event.

MEDIA RELEASE

The picturesque, seaside grounds of Hulihee Palace will be the location of the annual spring fundraiser, Day at Hulihee, on Saturday, March 24.

An 8:30 a.m. traditional Hawaiian blessing kicks off the 9 a.m.-4 p.m. event, which is hosted by palace caretakers the Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins.

Debuting at the fundraiser is the new cookbook, “Just Like Tutu Made With Love,” which features recipes from palace volunteers and supporters. The handy resource contains instructions for main dishes, salads, pupu, tropical beverages and desserts. It also has helpful everyday hints “for living happily” sprinkled among the pages.

It will be available for $9.38 including tax.

Browse among tented arts and crafts booths, a tempting bake sale featuring Aunty Nona’s scrumptious peach cake and the ever-popular Classy Tutu’s Attic. Choose a fresh flower lei made on site by palace volunteers.

The Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club will offer ono food and local hula halau will provide cultural entertainment. Prize drawings throughout the day will be featured.

Palace admission will be complimentary all day, although donations will be accepted.

Day at Hulihee remembers Hawaii’s Citizen Prince who was born in March, Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922.)

Hawaii observes an annual statewide holiday to commemorate Prince Kuhio’s dedication toward serving his people; it’s Monday, March 26.

Beginning in 1902, Kuhio served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 10 terms, was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission.

A monument at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park credits Prince Kuhio for founding the park in 1916.

Hulihe‘e Palace is open for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours.

For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii…..

The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880.

Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

MEDIA RELEASE

Two enormous ancestral history eBooks have just become available from Millisecond Publishing Company, Inc. (MPC). They are almost certainly the largest digital books in the fields of both genealogy and history, and probably the largest digital books in any field.

Each of these PDF titles is larger than a 50-volume work of 500 pages each.

The Family Forest Descendants of King Duncan I of Scotland details an extensive network of assembled lineage generation-by-generation from a well-known King of Scotland a millennium ago, to present day. King Duncan may be an ancestor of more than one billion people alive today.

The Family Forest Descendants of Baron Anslech Turstain of Briquebec details an extensive network of assembled lineage generation-by-generation from the founder of Briquebec Castle in France a millennium ago, to present day. The Baron may be an ancestor of at least one of every seven people alive today.

If you have any European ancestry within the last 500 years, you probably have a number of your own ancestors in each one of of these two ancestral history eBooks.

— Find out more:
Family Forest: www.familyforest.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Mhealani Pai and Keone Kalawe of the Keauhou-Kahaluu Education Group will discuss the historical significance of Kaneaka slide and Heeia Bay in Keauhou in an upcoming Puana Ka Ike lecture in Kona and an Eia Hawaii presentation in Hilo.

The free presentations are scheduled noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Campus Center Room 301, and 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 in Ballroom III at the Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona.

Kaneaka is the famous royal kahua holua (slide) in Keauhou, whose current footprint is being captured through a plane table mapping project with island students.

Cultural specialist Pai and lead mapping teacher Kalawe will share their ongoing research about the famous slide, its construction and sporting aspects, and Heeia, the bay into which Kaneaka’s pathway once touched.

For lecture attendees wishing to have an onsite experience, Pai and Kalawe will lead a field study to Kaneaka and Heeia Bay from 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 28.

This field study will help participants understand the direct link between Kaneaka and Heeia Bay as well as the magnitude of the ancient sport of sledding.

Space is limited; for reservations, contact Joy Cunefare at (808) 534-8528 or e-mail info@kohalacenter.org.

Since 2005, Pai has served as the cultural specialist of the Kamehameha Schools’ Keauhou-Kahaluu Education Group, which is responsible for the cultural learning and restoration of sites within these two ahupuaa. He is the founder of the cultural education programs Kiai Aina Kualoloa (Guardians of the Long back of the Land).

Pai’s mookuauhau, or genealogy, connects him with the ocean, and as a cultural practitioner and teacher, his work has touched several generations of learners. He is currently completing his Associates in Applied Science degree in the Hawaiian Lifestyles Hula track and Associate in Arts degree at the Hawaii Community College in Hilo and Kona.

Kalawe resides in Kahuwai, Puna, where his family has lived for over 20 generations. Since 2007, Kalawe has traveled to Kahaluu, where he serves as the onsite archaeologist and lead kumu, or teacher, in Hui Kaha Pohaku, a project-based education program created by the Keauhou-Kahalu‘u Education Group.

Under Kalawe’s tutelage, students in Hui Kaha Pohaku produce professional quality plane table maps. These maps capture the current footprint of selected sites and are required by state agencies as part of the restoration process.

Along with Leinaala Wilcox, Kalawe co-founded Keala o ka Holua, a foundation dedicated to the revitalization of hee holua or sledding.

For more information on these presentations or to reserve a space in the Saturday field study, contact Cunefare. For lecture schedules and webcasts of previous lectures, visit kohalacenter.org/puana… and www.keauhouresort.com/…

The Puana Ka Ike and Eia Hawaii lecture series are presented in partnership with Keauhou-Kahaluu Education Group of Kamehameha Schools, The Kohala Center, the Kipuka Native Hawaiian Student Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Keauhou Beach Resort.

MEDIA RELEASE

Charter school reform is the subject of PBS Hawaii Presents: Class of 2010 that premieres 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.

The documentary was filmed in Puna by students of HAAS Productions, the digital media program of Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science.

Class of 2010 explores charter schools, their funding sources and efforts to reform education.

Executive producer/co-director Gloria Baraquio, a former HAAS teacher, worked with co-director/editor Erik Bathen of SHOOTZ studios, to turn 60 hours of tape into a one-hour film.

“Class of 2010 is a love song to Puna and a tribute to the teachers and supporters of education reform,” Baraquio said.

PBS Hawaii Presents is a weekly showcase for documentaries and special programs produced by independent local filmmakers that tell unique stories about Hawaii.

— Find out more:

PBSHawaii.org

MEDIA RELEASE

Evidence of the last march of a 1790 Hawaiian warrior party can be found in fossilized footprints preserved in the hardened ash of the Ka‘€˜u Desert. Amberle Keith

January 2012 marks the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 3rd annual Volcano Awareness Month and its 100 year anniversary.

In honor of Volcano Awareness Month, the Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute presents “Footprints Trail to Mauna Iki,” a guided geological hike in the Ka‘u Desert. The event takes place in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, January 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Join UH-Hilo Educational Specialist Darcy Bevens for a four-mile round trip hike to explore features from Footprints Trail to Mauna Iki.

“At the Footprints trailhead, we will examine textural details of an ‘a‘a lava flow,” said Bevens. “Once we descend to the sandy desert, we’ll view footprints fossilized in the muddy ash in 1790, plus discuss the accretionary lapilli found in ash layers nearby.”

“As we approach Mauna Iki, we will see a pahoehoe lava field with unusual secondary mineralization that results in beautiful surface patterns. From there, we’ll ascend Mauna Iki (little mountain) to explore a variety of volcanological features. If we’re lucky, we may come across beautiful Pele’s Hair, wafted downwind in the plume of Halema‘uma‘u Crater,” she added.

Darcy Bevens

Originally from O‘ahu, Darcy Bevens graduated with a B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked as an Engineering Geologist in Alaska, a writer for Hawai‘i Natural History Association, and an Educational Specialist at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. For over two decades, Bevens has worked at UH-Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes doing both administration and field work.

The hike is rated moderate, with four miles of hiking along hardened lava trails and a 100’ elevation gain. Be prepared for the base 3,000’ elevation as well as for variable weather conditions, including sunny and windy. Hikers should be in good condition, able to do without shade all morning in a remote, rugged area.

This event is presented by the Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute, a program of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a non-profit organization. Program cost is $35 for Friends members and $50 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends group in order to get the member discount. To register, call 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org

Pea-sized accretionary lapilli erode from an ash deposit found in the Ka‘€˜u Desert. Several layers of ash illustrate the complexity of events associated with the 1790 pyroclastic density currents produced by an explosive eruption of Halemaumau. Photo by Amberle Keith