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Earthquake Discussions, Traditional Weaving, And Hula Performances Help Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Celebrate Its Centennial

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Hula dances are among the varied activities that Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park visitors can enjoy during the month of November/NPS

An eclectic mix of activities -- from discussions of earthquakes and hula demonstrations to weaving skills and park history lessons -- will be open to the public at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the month of November.

All After Dark in the Park and Hawaiian cultural programs are free, but park entrance fees apply except on the last fee-free day of 2016, Veteran’s Day, November 11. Programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:

Earthquakes: Did You Feel That? Thousands of earthquakes happen in Hawai‘i each year. Occasionally, large earthquakes can cause significant damage or tsunamis. Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Seismic Network Manager Brian Shiro and learn about what’s shaking in our state. Learn about different types of earthquakes, how we monitor them in Hawai‘i, and how scientists use these signals to mitigate hazards. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.

When: Tues., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Lau Hala Weaving. Discover the skill of weaving lau hala with practitioners from ‘Aha Pūhala o Puna. For centuries, Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items. Learn to weave lau hala and take home your own small piece of lau hala art. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

When: Wed., Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Fee-Free Day on Veteran’s Day. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park joins national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for Veterans Day, Fri, Nov. 11 in honor of the men and women who have served the nation. The park has dozens of veterans among its employees and volunteers. Active duty U.S. military can obtain a free annual Military Pass at the park’s entrance station all year. For more information on the free Military Pass, visit the park website.

When: Fri., Nov. 11, all day

Where: All fee-charging national parks

Kahuku Unit Open House. The Kahuku Unit will host the “Welina Mai Nei Kakou I Kahuku,” an open house event to celebrate Kahuku being open on Fridays (in addition to Saturdays and Sundays). Enjoy a hula performance by Hālau Naleionalani led by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, Hawaiian music, informational displays on Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, the Ka‘ū Cultural Club and the Manukā Natural Area Reserve, plus children’s activities. Sign up for a guided hike (limited to 12 people) to Kīpuka ‘Akihi; call (808) 929-8075.

When: Fri., Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The Kahuku Unit, Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5

After Dark in the Park: The 1932 Administration Building (‘Ōhi‘a Wing), Our New Museum. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will unveil a new museum that will house items from the park’s vast museum collection of more than 1.5 million objects. The park’s Chief of Cultural Resources, Laura Carter Schuster, reveals the history and highlights of this vast collection, and plans for exhibiting the objects in the original 1932 park Administration Building, formally a lodging facility called the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing.

When: Tues., Nov. 15, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Hula Performance by Hālau o Akaunu. Experience the ancient traditions of Hawai‘i come to life through the chant and dance of Hālau o Akaunu. Hailing from Hilo, Hawai‘i, and under the instruction of Mānaiakalani Kalua, Akaunu strives to perpetuate the ‘aiha‘a style of hula borne of this volcanic landscape. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations. Free.

When: Wed., Nov. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Centennial Walk: 1932 Administration Building (‘Ōhi‘a Wing), Our New Museum. Chief of Cultural Resources Laura Carter Schuster leads an easy walk from Kīlauea Visitor Center to the park’s new museum site. She’ll reveal the history and highlights of the park’s original 1932 park Administration Building, and share exhibit plans that will highlight the park’s museum collection. About 90 minutes.

When: Sat., Nov. 19, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Kīlauea Visitor Center

Lei Wili Demonstration. Learn the lei wili, a traditional style of lei created by wrapping cordage around flowers, leaves and more. The beautiful and versatile Hawaiian lei is used for adornments, blessings, ritual, gifts and as an expression of love and celebration. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free.

When: Wed., Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

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