Kilauea volcano’s 2018 eruption hit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hard, forcing the park to close last May.
Today, most of the Hawaii Island destination has reopened, and throngs of visitors are making the pilgrimage to see famous highlights such as its steam vents, Kilauea Iki trail and Chain of Craters Road. The park is also hosting regularly scheduled hikes, hands-on activities and live programs to help travelers enjoy it even more.
Here are five lures that will keep clients happy at the national park. (Note: They’re free, although park entrance fees apply.)
After Dark in the Park Programs
Artists-in-residence, scientists, rangers and other specialists take turns enlightening and entertaining guests at this series of presentations, offered on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Held in Kilauea Visitor Center’s auditorium, each program is inspired by the park, from its history and culture to its nature and geology.
Na Wai Chamber Choir showcased its Hawaiian choral music during an After Dark in the Park program.
Credit: 2019 Na Wai Chamber ChoirClients spending a Tuesday night in or near the park should add After Dark in the Park to their list of evening must-dos.
Demonstrations and Workshops
During the park’s ongoing interactive workshops — called Ike Hana Noeau (“experience the skillful work”) — clients might learn a new craft, such as painting. Or, they might create their own traditional island game using natural materials, fashion a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet, make haupia (coconut dessert) or discover the healing power of local plants.
At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, clients who take part in Ike Hana Noeau workshops learn skills such as ti leaf lei-making.
Credit: 2019 National Park ServiceWhatever the project, guests come away with a sense of accomplishment as well as a unique souvenir of their park visit.
Guided Hikes in the Kahuku Unit
Once home to a historic ranch, the park’s lesser-known Kahuku Unit holds untold treasures such as ohia lehua forests, distinctive plants and animals, and old lava flows with tree molds and cinder cones.
Each Sunday, rangers lead hikes through the park's mesmerizing Kahuku Unit.
Credit: 2019 National Park ServiceOn Sundays at 9:30 a.m., rangers lead two-hour hikes through the 116,000-acre spread, which is a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. As an alternative, clients can explore the Kahuku Unit on their own from Wednesday to Sunday.
Na Leo Manu
Hawaiian tunes fill the air and dancers sway to the music during evening concert series Na Leo Manu. Each show features different talents, from masters of movement to vocalists sharing classic melodies and contemporary styles.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's Heavenly Voices series has featured artists such as Halau Hula Ulumamo o Hilo.
Credit: 2019 National Park ServiceRecent stars who have graced the stage include award-winning singer/songwriter Kenneth Makuakane and the Hilo-based hula troupe Halau o Akaunu. No matter who’s on the bill, the island entertainers fully engage audiences in the visitor center’s auditorium.
Voluntourism
Each week, volunteers lend a hand to protect the environment from troublesome plants by taking part in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Stewardship at the Summit program. Everyone pitches in to remove invasive species from vulnerable areas of the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Clients can help clear invasive plants from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during Stewardship at the Summit outings.
Credit: 2019 National Park ServiceGloves and tools are provided, but participants will need to bring a hat, raingear, snacks, water and a daypack. In addition, they should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty.
Planning the Perfect Visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials are encouraging clients to do their homework before visiting the famous attraction.
A lack of parking is creating problems, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, when the park’s most popular summit destinations are packed with cars.
Travel advisors should monitor the park’s news online and tell their clients to do the same, advises Ben Hayes, chief of interpretation and education for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
“We want our visitors to leave with smiles, photos and memories that will last a lifetime, not a parking ticket or a negative experience,” Hayes said. “All it takes is a little planning and flexibility.”
For more information, access the park’s calendar of events.
The Details
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
www.nps.gov
