~ Founded January 13, 1997 ~
Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park celebrates 25 years of supporting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Our Programs
Wild Caves Exploration
An in-depth guided exploration through a tropical rain forest and fragile lava tube.
Institute On Demand Private Tours
Private tours of the park are custom-designed to your group size, itinerary, interests and physical abilities.
Youth Ranger Program
Provides education and career preparation to youth in rural East Hawai‘i
Walk in the Park
This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together FHVNP members to explore the park’s beautiful trails.
Forest Restoration
Help conserve the forests of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with monthly volunteer projects that include native seed collection, invasive species removal, and native seedling planting.
Guardians of the Trails
In 2018, Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park launched our Guardians of the Trails Program.
The Official Philanthropic Partner to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Upcoming Events
May
Time
May 11, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Puʻuloa Petroglyphs Trailhead
Event Details
~This month our Sunday Walk is on a Saturday due to Mothers Day on Sunday~ This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing
Event Details
~This month our Sunday Walk is on a Saturday due to Mothers Day on Sunday~
This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to explore the park’s beautiful trails. This month we will explore the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs. Participants will meet at the trailhead.
Pu’uloa Trail
Walk in the footsteps of the kūpuna (elders) to Pu`uloa (hill of long life), a sacred and awe-inspiring gallery of ki`i pohaku (images carved in stone). These simple etchings document the life and culture of the native Hawaiian people and spiritually, cradle the piko (umbilical cord) of their children. It brought with hopes of receiving the blessings of a long and prosperous life.
Of interest: This coastal trail traverses a 500-550 year old lava field to one of Hawai`i’s most extensive petroglyph fields. A site that has approximately 23,000 petroglyphs, many viewable at a boardwalk constructed for this purpose.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance and hiking time: 1.4 miles (2.25km) round trip. Approximately 1.0 – 1.5 hours.
- Distance from Visitor Center to trailhead: 19.6 miles (31.5km).
- Trail begins: Pu’uloa parking area on Chain of Craters Road.
- Bring: Water, food, hat, sunscreen and rain gear. Be prepared for hot, dry, wet, windy weather conditions.
The petroglyphs are very fragile. Stay on the boardwalk. Walking on the lava surface will fragment the delicate petroglyphs and destroy them.
This event is presented by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Program cost is $5.00 for Friends members. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend. And, of course, additional donations are always accepted. Park entrance fees apply.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Organizer
Time
May 14, 2024 7:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Sixteen Explosive Days at Kīlauea in May 1924 In May 1924, more than 50 explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu produced volcanic ash that fell from South Hilo
Event Details
Sixteen Explosive Days at Kīlauea in May 1924
In May 1924, more than 50 explosions from Halemaʻumaʻu produced volcanic ash that fell from South Hilo to South Kona. Thousands of rocks weighing as much as 12 tons crashed to the ground in Kīlauea caldera. Electrical storms and torrential rain accompanied several of the explosions, earthquakes repeatedly shook the summit, and Halemaʻumaʻu doubled in width. Don Swanson, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist emeritus, and Ben Gaddis, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volunteer, describe the preamble to that eventful May 100 years ago, highlight the 2.5 weeks of explosions and their impacts on the people who were there, and speculate why similar explosions did not occur during the 2018 partial collapse of the caldera.
When: May 14 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series of programs.
Event is free, however your suggested $2.00 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
For information, call (808) 985-6011.
Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Time
May 15, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
ʻŌhiʻa Wing
Event Details
Hū (Kukui Nut Top) Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusements and relaxation. Top-spinning was an absorbing activity for children
Event Details
Hū (Kukui Nut Top)
Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusements and relaxation. Top-spinning was an absorbing activity for children and making Hū (kukui-nut top) was equally engaging. Join rangers and staff for this free event as they share their love and knowledge of one of Hawaiʻi’s popular traditional arts.
Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Free event – park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing located across the street from the Kīlauea Visitor Center
Time
May 21, 2024 7:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Hawaiian ʻAwa: A Cross-cultural Tradition ʻAwa (also known as kava) is a traditional ceremonial beverage used throughout the Islands of the Pacific and its many
Event Details
Hawaiian ʻAwa: A Cross-cultural Tradition
ʻAwa (also known as kava) is a traditional ceremonial beverage used throughout the Islands of the Pacific and its many cultures. The first ‘awa plants were brought to Hawai‘i by Polynesian voyagers. Join Sam Valdez, Farm Manager for Pu’iwa Hawaiian Farms whose mission is to bring the nearly extinct Hawaiian ‘awa back to the forefront of our island culture and share its healing powers with others.
When: May 21 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series of programs.
Event is free, however your suggested $2.00 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
For information, call (808) 985-6011.
Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Time
May 22, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Music with Kainani Kahaunaele Enjoy the mele (music) of Kainani Kahaunaele. Kainani, originally from Kaua‘i and now residing in Hilo, is a fervent
Event Details
Music with Kainani Kahaunaele
Enjoy the mele (music) of Kainani Kahaunaele. Kainani, originally from Kaua‘i and now residing in Hilo, is a fervent advocate for Hawaiian music. She shares her passion by teaching Hawaiian language, music, and Ethnobotany at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language and Literature. Her solo albums have earned twelve prestigious awards, including the Nā Hōkū Hanohano, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture through music.
Part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Free event – park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
June
Time
June 4, 2024 7:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Digging the Past: The Hawaiian Field Systems of Kaʻū The agricultural systems of the Hawaiian archipelago were some of the most intensive in the Pacific
Event Details
Digging the Past: The Hawaiian Field Systems of Kaʻū
The agricultural systems of the Hawaiian archipelago were some of the most intensive in the Pacific and this scale of intensity is well illustrated by the large agricultural landscapes of leeward Hawai‘i Island. Previous research in the area has centered on understanding the relationship between agriculture, political process, and large-scale environmental changes. Join Seth Quintus, PhD., University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | Department of Anthropology as he takes us through the remarkable Kahuku agricultural field systems in place before western contact.
When: June 4 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series of programs.
Event is free, however your suggested $2.00 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
For information, call (808) 985-6011.
Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Time
June 9, 2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - Kahuku Unit
Event Details
Our monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to explore the park’s beautiful trails. This
Event Details
Our monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to explore the park’s beautiful trails. This month we will walk the Kahuku Palm Trail.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (uphill) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area.
Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.
This event is presented by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Program cost is $5.00 for Friends members. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend. And, of course, additional donations are always accepted.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Organizer
Time
June 12, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
ʻŌhiʻa Wing
Event Details
Lei Hulu: A Cultural Treasure For Native Hawaiians, the lei hulu (feather lei) were akin to precious gemstones, challenging to acquire and occasionally
Event Details
Lei Hulu: A Cultural Treasure
For Native Hawaiians, the lei hulu (feather lei) were akin to precious gemstones, challenging to acquire and occasionally deemed invaluable. Reserved for aliʻi (chiefs), they required months, if not generations, of meticulous preparation. Experience Kilohana Domingo’s expertise as he showcases his mastery of this elaborate craft.
Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Free event – park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing located across the street from the Kīlauea Visitor Center
Time
June 18, 2024 7:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Po‘e ho‘o hāhāpa‘akai: The Salt Gatherers of Hawai‘i Did you know that Hawaiʻi’s first major export was not sugar, pineapples, or even sandalwood? By 1786
Event Details
Po‘e ho‘o hāhāpa‘akai: The Salt Gatherers of Hawai‘i
Did you know that Hawaiʻi’s first major export was not sugar, pineapples, or even sandalwood? By 1786 numerous ships stopped in Hawai‘i for provisioning creating a tremendous demand for Hawaiian sea salt. The salt collected here was said to be the best and allowed for the preservation of fish and meat, enabling the people to populate this region less suited for agriculture. Join Park archaeologist, Summer Roper Todd as she takes us along the footpath of the salt gatherers and provides a taste of the past.
When: June 18 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s ongoing After Dark in the Park series of programs.
Event is free, however your suggested $2.00 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
For information, call (808) 985-6011.
Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Time
June 19, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-10:00)
Location
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Event Details
Unulau: Embracing Hawaiian Culture Through Hula Unulau is a hālau hula led by Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, situated in Hilo and Waimea on
Event Details
Unulau: Embracing Hawaiian Culture Through Hula
Unulau is a hālau hula led by Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, situated in Hilo and Waimea on Hawaiʻi island. Rooted in the philosophy and fire traditions of the hula ʻaihaʻa, Unulau’s mission is to promote and perpetuate Hawaiʻi knowledge and education through hula. Unulau views hula as a platform that engages, inspires, and informs our connection to the environment and spirit.
Part of Nā Leo Manu (Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian music) concerts and presentations at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Free event – park entrance fees apply.
When: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium
Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
FHVNP is a non-profit organization with members worldwide who have experienced the wonder and power of the park’s living volcanoes. In Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, friends and visitors can walk on new lava fields, hike thorough ancient rainforests, see plants and animals found nowhere else on earth, and learn to respect and celebrate the culture and traditions of Hawai‘i’s indigenous people. More »