The month of January is Volcano Awareness Month at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the park has prepared a full calendar of fun activities and cultural programming. Many of these include guided hikes and talks with scientists. Here's a list of the month's events:
Jan. 7: Birth of Kahuku
A park ranger will take guests on a 1.5-hour, 1.5-mile walk past an 1868 lava flow and share the history of Kahuku. Visitors should meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station at 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 9: Kilauea Volcano's Crater-Filling Summit Eruptions
A United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist will explain the most recent activity at Kilauea volcano, from the dramatic collapse in 2018 to the many eruptions in recent years. The geologist will also talk about the patterns in behavior they see and the monitoring techniques the observatory uses. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Jan: 13: Kilauea Iki Crater Guided Hike
A park ranger will lead a hike into one of the park's most iconic trails. Leading visitors from the native rainforest and down into the crater floor, the ranger will discuss the history of the eruption that happened here. Guests should meet the ranger at the Kilauea Iki parking lot at 10 a.m. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Jan. 16: Past Eruptions Near the Summit of Kilauea
Another after-dark program, this one is led by a University of Hawaii at Hilo geology professor who will talk about past eruptions and current monitoring observations and who will explain where it's more likely for eruptions to occur at Kilauea and why. Meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Jan. 20: The Sacred Art of Hula
A kumu hula from the Big Island of Hawaii will share the importance of hula in Hawaiian culture. He'll cover its history, significance, the implements and ornamentation. The program takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station.
Jan. 28: Puu o Lokuana Cinder Cone Hike
On this one-hour, half-mile hike, a ranger will lead visitors to a cinder cone where they will get a closer understanding of how they are formed, while also enjoying a unique and breathtaking view from its peak. Meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station at 9:30 a.m.
For a complete events calendar, visit the park website.