* 7 p.m. Tuesdays in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Sept. 20 – “Natural History of Hawaii’s Native Bat: Opeapea”

Hawaii has a single native land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat, known to Hawaiians as Opeapea. Join Frank Bonaccorso, Ph.D., Wildlife Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, as he presents findings on what is known about the elusive behavior of Opeapea including seasonal movements, feeding and insect prey, reproduction, and daytime roosting. He will also examine current and emerging threats to the survival of these amazing masters of the night.

Sept. 27 – “MANA I KA LEO: The Power of the Voice”

“Mana I Ka Leo – Power of the Voice” is a stunning documentary film that examines the cultural importance of oli, the Hawaiian tradition of chant. The film points to the revival of oli as a way of life, linking the ancient sounds of the past to the voices and ears of contemporary practitioners. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park invites you to join producer Dawn Kaniaupio and director Ruben Carrillo for a special screening of “Mana I Ka Leo: Power of the Voice” winner of the Audience Award for Favorite Short Film at the 2010 Hawaii International Film Festival. Copies of this powerful and inspiring DVD will be available for purchase and autographs.

Oct. 11 – “Puu kohl Heiau: The Power of Place”

The great temple of Kamehameha the Great, Puukohola Heiau rises majestically above the turquoise waters of the Pacific, a silent testament to the most renowned king of Hawaii. Puukohola Heiau displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children alike. Mailekini Heiau, the temple-turned-fort that once thundered with the sound of cannons, continues to stand guard while the sharks return most days to Hale o Kapuni Heiau, the submerged ruins of a temple once dedicated to them. Join Puukohola NHS Superintendent Daniel Kawaiaea Jr. as he shares a special evening about where the history-makers of Hawaii lived and where their history comes to life.

Oct. 25 – “FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: LIVE in Concert”

Friends and Neighbors are Wes Awana, Nona Wilson and Ti Chun. Wes was mostly retired and teaching ukulele at the Keaau Senior Center and the Volcano Art Center when he met Nona Wilson. Nona’s father, an accomplished musician and member of the Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman groups, nurtured Nona’s talent while she danced hula professionally. Now serving as the Assistant Hospital Administrator/Director of Nursing at Ka‘u Hospital, she convinced co-worker Chun, also from a musical family, that it was time to combine their talents. Friends and Neighbors played together for the first time at a Ka‘u Hospital fund raiser where their special harmonic blend wowed audiences. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is proud to present this special trio in concert.

Program co-sponsored by Hawaii Natural History Association. For further information, call 985-6011.

A $2 donation helps to support Park programs. Park entrance fees apply.