Posts Tagged ‘Volcano’

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park invites folks to immerse themselves in Hawai’i’an culture Saturday July 10 2010 at the 30^th Kilauea Culture Festival from 10AM to 3PM.  Watch skilled cultural practitioners demonstrate their skills at fishing, throwing net, beating kappa, carving wood and crafting drums, making Ti leaf capes &sandals, stamping with bamboo, weaving Lauhala hats, sewing feather lei, planting dry land Taro as well as creating a native garden and using plants as medicine and the healing art of lomilomi massage.

Attendees encouraged to try their own skills at Hawai’i’an crafts weaving coconut and lauhala bracelets, making feather Kahili, playing Hawai’i’an music, quilting squares, there will be Hawai’i’an games, a traditional calabash, and a chance to taste sweet potato, taro, sugar cane, breadfruit and more.

The day will be filled with the sound of Hawai’i’an music and the enchantment of Hula, those scheduled to perform: Kumu Ab Valencia and Hālau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu; David Ka‘io and Harrison Murray; Kenneth Makuakāne; Kumu Micah Kamohoali‘i and Hālau Hula Nā Kīpu‘upu‘u; The Kuahiwi’s with Kiliona Young, Grant Ka’au’a, and TR Ireland; Ho‘onanea with Kai Ho‘opi‘i, Nolan Ha‘o and Ipo Quihano; Joseph Nahale and Braddah Smitty; and Auntie Diana Aki & Friends.

Hawai’i’an crafts as well as food & beverage and souvenir Festival T-shirts will be on sale. It is A-O-K to bring beach mats or chairs, sunscreen as well as a rain jacket and a hat strongly recommended, the weather at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can be capricious.

Park entrance fees are waived for this special event and the event itself is free, courtesy of a whole host of wonderful sponsors: “Cosponsored by Hawai‘i Natural History Association, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea Military Camp, and County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. For more information, call (808) 985-6011 or visit www.nps.gov/havo.”

In what seems to be an all too familiar trend, the Hawaii Civil Defense was called in again to help control and track a lava flow that has gone astray, leaving residents of (Big Island) on edge.

Late Wednesday night Big Island firefighters were alerted to the fact that Goddess Pele was again on the move. It seems this time she has targeted the residents of Kalapana, while already shutting down a popular Big Island sightseeing spot. Leigh Hilbert – a Big Island photographer described the scene as being “quite surreal.”

Pele’s newest flow has branched off during the night and has gotten so close to the ocean that Civil defense had to shut the entire area down. For the moment the brushfires are under control, but that is not the only hazard that residents have to deal with. Pele’s flow has reached Highway 130 threatening to release toxic acids from the burning asphalt.

Even though Kalapana residents – and other Big Island residents, are used to living with the threat of Pele, this time they seem a bit more nervous. While the flow is still about a mile away from Kalapana Gardens, this indeed is way too close for comfort for most.

“Hawaii News Now” , along with Leigh Hilbert, has captured some excellent video of the latest Pele rampage. While the Hawaii Civil Defense does not expect runaway brushfires, and as of now has the flow under control, you never know what thoughts Goddess Pele will have on the matter.

The Big Island of Hawai’i is a treasure trove of discovery & wonder and one of the gateways to all that The Big Island has to offer is The Volcano Art Center.  Located in Kilauea, home of the fiery Goddess of the Volcano, Pele, the VAC hosts a variety of fun challenging activities throughout the year.

The VAC is calling for volunteers to take part in ‘Niaulani Forest Work Day’ Sunday, March 21, 2010, a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of Spring 2010, from 9AM to 12Noon, a day for families & friends to get together to learn about the flora & fauna on the 7.4 acres of the Niaulani Forest.  A day to connect with nature while assisting with needed tasks,

Monday, March 22, 2010 from 9:30 AM return to Niaulani Forest for a hike along the gentle 1/7 mile loop trail, while expert guides explain the biological, ecological, and geographical features of the area, as well as the cultural usages of flora & fauna by the Hawai’i’ans, the plants that were used for ornamentation as well as medicine, plants sacred to the art of hula.

The Niaulani Nature Walk is an on going event free though calabash (donations) are welcome. “The weekly walk starts just one mile from the entrance to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (19-4074 Old Volcano Rd.) Call (808) 967-8222.”

As an added incentive Sunday March 21th thru Tuesday March 23 gather on the porch of the Volcano Arts Center Gallery porch and witness visiting artist Jessica Landau gives a free demonstration of the art of sculpting molten glass.  For further info about the VAC  and its many activities check out Volcano Art Center .

In August, my boyfriend and I traveled to the Big Island of Hawai’i to Volcano to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Five volcanoes make up the island of Hawai’i: Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases the active volcano Kilauea with Mauna Loa in the far distance. We flew into Hilo, rented a car, and drove about 45 minutes south to Volcano, Hawaii. Just a little over 2,000 people inhibit this sleepy town.

The town consists of only bed and breakfasts to accommodate the many travelers coming in to visit the National Park, so booking ahead of time is recommended.  There are only a handful of restaurants and country stores located in town.  We stayed at a local bed and breakfast and I was pleasantly surprised with how relaxing and quiet it was among all the serene Hawaiian vegetation.  The weather here is rainier and cooler, so be prepared with long pants and a jacket in the evening.

Everyday we were there we went to the main attraction, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which was about a 3 minute car ride down from our B&B.  This was my first time to Volcano and I was pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking views of the most “fascinating biological landscape in the world.” During our 3 day visit we explored the park driving, touring, and hiking.

We did two amazing days hikes Kilauea Iki that crosses the steaming crater floor and the Pu’u Huluhulu off of the Chain of Craters Road Trail. The earth seemed alive with steam pouring out of cracks inthe earth. You can feel the heat coming from the ground that can even wear down the soles of your rubber sneakers.  The hikes can be hot in the day sun, so bring a small pack with bottled water, a lite snack, and sunscreen, so you can enjoy your day.    

In this 330,000 acre national park there is plenty to do and explore.  People travel from all over the world to experience this park.  We are very lucky to have access to such an amazing phenomenon that is a quick plane ride away.