(Photo courtesy of NPS)

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors this month.

These programs are free, but park entrance fees may apply.

Mark the calendar for these upcoming events in March:

The Building of a Wildlife Preserve and the Three-Mountain Alliance

The Ka‘u Preserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state of Hawaii. Made up of four separate parcels of forested land, this Nature Conservancy preserve features mountainous ridgelines with narrow plateaus framed by steep valleys. A closed-canopy koa and ohia forest shelters a lush understory of native ferns, where rare plants thrive, along with endangered forest birds like apapane, iiwi, elepaio, amakihi and akepa.

John R. Replogle of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will address how the TNC Preserve in Ka‘u became a preserve and how the Three-Mountain Alliance has played an important role in this endeavor. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park presentations. Free.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Lito Arkangel in Concert

Singer/songwriter Lito Arkangel is a popular Hawaii Island entertainer, and he shares his original compositions and other Hawaiian favorites in this special concert at the park. Arkangel has performed at many establishments around the island, and collaborates with artists such as Rupert Tripp, Jr. & Ohana, the Ahuna Ohana, Piggy Kaleohano, Damon Williams, and many more. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20; Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Ka‘u Ohana Day

Join park rangers and explore the Palm Trail by GPS and compass in the park’s southernmost section of Kahuku. Enjoy a free lunch, and participate in cultural craft demonstrations. Registration is required, call (808) 985-6019.

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: The park’s Kahuku Unit, mauka side of Highway 11, near mile marker 70.5.

Lei Hulu a me Ulana Papale Lauhala (Feather Lei and Lauhala Hat Making)

Master lei maker Kilohana Domingo demonstrates the intricate art of feather work, and his highly prized na lei hulu (feather lei) will be on display. His mother, renowned Hawaiian artist and master weaver Lehua Domingo, will share the unique anoni style of weaving pandanus leaves into an exquisite hat, and other objects of art. Her granddaughter, Kawai Domingo, also an upcoming artist, assists her. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

When: 10 a.m.-noon Monday, March 25
Where: Kilauea Visitor Center lanai