The Kaʻū Calendar of Events

Aaron Hammer with his lathe. His show Wondrous Works in Wood is free through Aug. 20 at Volcano Art Center.
Photo from VAC

WONDROUS WORKS IN WOOD by Aaron Hammer is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery through Aug. 20. The exhibit features lathe-turned works of art. See story on page 14.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: How the Mountains Grew: A New Geologic History of North America is the new book and topic at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium at 7 p.m. in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday, Aug. 8. 

    John Dvorak is also the author of Earthquake Storms, The Last Volcano and Mask of the Sun. Dvorak will connect the dots to help bring armchair geologists and serious scientists to a place beyond plate tectonics. 

    Books will be available for sale through the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association Gift Shop the evening of the program. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

A quilting demo will be at Hawai‘i Volcanoes
National Park on Wednesday. Photo from HVNP

KAPA KUIKI HAWAIIAN QUILTING DEMONSTRATION on Wednesday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon with Cyndy Martinez at the ʻŌhiʻa Wing across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

POSSIBLE PLANS BY THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR PA'AU'AU GULCH ON THE HILO SIDE OF PAHALA will be presented on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 5:30 p.m, Pāhala Community Center. The gulch runs behind houses and under the bridge at Hwy 11. The Army Corps of Engineers states that its levee, walls and boulder slopes help protect approximately 273 homes in the area. A flood in 2001 destroyed the bridge but no homes were lost. The meeting will be held by county Department of Public Works to discuss the Pa‘au‘au Flood Channels, encroachment issues, and future assistance that may be provided by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Pa‘au‘au Gulch, which skirts Pāhala, is often the scene of rushing waters, with adjacent homes protected by Army Corps of Engineers levee, walls and hardened slopes. A public meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9, 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center to discuss issues and possible further assistance to prevent flooding. Photo by Julia Neal

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES, grades nine through 12, will be offered by Dr. Jen Shrestha and Dr. Thomas Sawyer on Thursday, Aug. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at Herkes Ka‘ū District Gym Athletic Room in Pāhala. Pick up the registration form at Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary's main office online at bit.ly/23KHPES_SP.

Dick Hershberger is Dr. Thomas Jaggar every Friday until September. Photo from NPS

A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR on Friday, Aug. 11, with two sessions, 9:30 a.m .— 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. and every Friday until September. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar guides a short walk to the crater rim behind Volcano House, near his former lab. You’ll learn what motivated him to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today.Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN).

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MONTHLY PANCAKE BREAKFAST is Saturday, August 12, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Cost is $7 for a big plate of food.

PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU HIKE on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. from Visitor Station at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This two-mile, three-hour guided hike loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. Attendees should be prepared for sun, rain, hot & cold conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water.

Kumu hula Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe

HULA ON THE PLATFORM at Volcano on Saturday, Aug. 12 with a presentation by Kumu hula Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe with hālau Halauolaokalani. The performance begins at 10:30 a.m. next to Volcano Art Center in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. National Park entrance fees apply.

REFLECTING & LOOKING AHEAD at Uēkahuna on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Jaggar Museum and the buildings once used by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists at Kīlauea summit will soon be deconstructed. Join Park Ranger Mequette Gallegos and learn about the sacred landscape, Uēkahuna, on an easy guided walk and share #YourParkStory and memories of these special places. Envision a return of open space and an improved viewing area with expansive views of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera). No reservations required, haiku and story sharing encouraged! Free, but park entrance fees apply. Park at the former Jaggar Museum and meet in front of the restrooms.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU EXPLORES GEOLOGIC HISTORY on Sunday, Aug 13 at 9:30 a.m. It's a moderate 1.5-mile, 1.2-hour hike, traversing the vast 1868 lava flow from Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. See different volcanic formations, including the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Kānāwai o Pele, the natural laws of land building that govern Pele's realm. 

Farley Sangels invites everyone to the debut
of the South Hawai'i Symphony on Aug. 13.

THE SOUTH HAWAI‘I SYMPHONY MAKES ITS DEBUT on Sunday Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Works will be by Schubert, Purcell, Schumann, Mozart, Bach and more. 

     The free concert is under the direction of Farley Sangels. He said the intention is to "make this kind of art music available to all on the south side of the island. He has recruited amateurs, retired pros and youth musicians and even devoted beginners.

    Sangels is an accomplished musician, teacher and director who performed for 21 years in major orchestras around the world. With questions, contact ezmeralda5@gmail.com.

Kiliona Young performs Wednesday,
Aug. 16 at After Dark in the Park.

KILIONA YOUNG PERFORMS Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Young is a multi-genre musician and songwriter from ʻŌlaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island. His music tells stories of love, hope, struggle and truth by employing a diversity of rhythms and melodies found in traditional Hawaiian music, reggae, blues, hip hop and soul. Kiliona has collaborated with artists like Pō & the 4fathers, Moemoeā and many others. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR on Friday, Aug. 18. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar guides a short walk to the crater rim behind Volcano House, near his former lab. You’ll learn what motivated him to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN).

OPEN MIKE AT TIKI MAMA'S PAUHANA FRIDAY, Aug. 18, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 92-9122 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Ocean View.

HONEYBEES IN KAʻŪ: LESSONS IN BALANCE AND RESILIENCE is the Coffee Talk on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Center of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join Alison Yahna, an organic gardener/permaculturalist and a devoted beekeeper. She will discuss the life history and biology of the honeybee, its presence and impact in Kaʻū, the nature of the 'honeybee crisis', and important ways we can support native and other pollinators.

Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Everyone who supports the school is invited. Photo by Julia Neal

ALL FRIENDS OF KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED to the Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Live music will be provided by Calvin Ponce. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.

PALM TRAIL HIKE on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. is a 2.6 mile loop along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruption. At the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, discover relics of the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration). Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coast. This is a 3-hour program.

Scientist Don Swanson reviews many decades of research at
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, its building damaged beyond
  repair during the 2018 eruption. Photo by J. Christenson

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY on Uēkahuna: A Legacy of Science, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Perched high on the rim of Uēkahuna since the late 1940s, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been the hub of research and monitoring of Hawaiian volcanoes. The Reginald T. Okamura Building, constructed in 1985 and the heart of the observatory, was damaged beyond repair during the earthquakes of 2018. Join Don Swanson, who has a 55-year association with the observatory, as he takes listeners through the science conducted at this facility and the legacy being carried into the future.

A COUNTY MEETING FOR PĀHALA AND NĀ‘ĀLEHU SEWAGE OPTIONS will be held on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. by county Department of Environmental Management. The meeting will be at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. The purpose is to review options for sewage disposal in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu for homes served by large-capacity cesspools formerly operated by the old sugar plantations in neighborhoods built by them. Options include individual septic systems and sewage treatment plants.

See more at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2023_08_02_archive.html.

A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR on Friday, Aug. 25. Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at the edge of Kīlauea volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Jaggar guides a short walk to the crater rim behind Volcano House, near his former lab. You’ll learn what motivated him to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today. Space is limited; pick up your free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN).

THE KAʻŪ FIELD SYSTEM: FARMING THE ROCK is a hike on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m. Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Walk along an old ranch road to the remnants of the field system. Learn how pre-western-contact Hawaiians intensively farmed this area and fed the large population of Kahuku. This is an easy 1/2 mile, 1-hour hike to kipuka kāʻopapa and back.

George Tamihana Nuku

A HEALTH FAIR SPONSORED BY KAʻŪ HOSPITAL & RURAL HEALTH CLINIC will be held on Saturday Aug. 26 at Pāhala Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with health education, entertainment and prizes. For more, call Salena Espejo, Community Health Worker, at 809-932-8025.

 CHANGING OCEANS, CHANGING MINDS will be open daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Aug. 26 through Sept. 10. An opening reception takes place on Friday, Aug, 25 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in Dietrich Varez Hall at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus with Maori artist George Tamihana Nuku giving a talk.
      Through the use of thousands of re-purposed empty plastic bottles and pieces of reused carved transparent plexiglass, the project aims to create a symbolic representation of the island of Hawai`i, surrounded by plastic marine life and sea birds.  Schools and community groups are invited to participate in the creating of the show.

Alya-Joy Kanehailua plays Nani
of Kahuku Ranch in the 1880s.

PUʻU O LOKUANA CINDER CONE is a hike on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. On the 0.4-mile loop, learn how a cinder cone is formed and uses of this hill over time. Enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū from its peak. Why is (and was) it considered a kumu waiwai (a source of wealth) by the many different inhabitants of Kahuku?

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: NANI O KAHUKU, a one-woman living history play of memories of Kahuku Ranch life in the 1880s will be at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium on Tuesday Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

    The play is adapted by Jackie Pualani-Johnson directly from the diary of Hannah (Nani) Piʻilani Jones. Nani, portrayed by actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua, was the eleventh and second-to-youngest child of George W.C. Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. 

    The After Dark in the Park event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MICHELLE GALIMBA from District 6 will hold an outreach event at the OV Community Center on Friday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m,

TEEN NIGHT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER  is the first Saturday of the month. The next one will be Saturday, Sept 2. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with ping-pong, air hockey, games and snacks.