The Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is set to host eight diverse events throughout Dec., according to a press release from the park. "Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park announces December events," the statement read.
The series of festivities will kick off on Dec. 2 with Holidays in Kahuku, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event promises something for every visitor - from Santa delivering gifts to free shave ice minis and an array of food vendors. In addition, guests can anticipate live performances from acts such as the K'ipapa Sisters and the Jazz Gardeners. The Friends of the Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park sponsor this occasion.
Moreover, the Kahuku Unit will open its doors Thursday through Sunday each week, welcoming visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park offers ample opportunities for hiking with guided ranger programs available over the weekends as well.
Throughout Dec., on specific dates like the 2nd, 8th, 16th, and 22nd starting at 8:45 a.m., visitors are encouraged to participate in removing invasive plants at the Summit Rainforest Restoration project. Alternatively, individuals can aid in eliminating troublesome vegetation from Kipukapuaulu every Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m., as per the Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park News release.
The park has announced that one of these stewardship projects will take place at Kipukapualu Trail which stretches approximately 1.2 miles round trip and can take between one to one-and-a-half hours to complete fully. As indicated by the Kīpukapuaulu Trail Guide, this trail initiates and concludes at Kīpukapuaulu parking area located just about 1.5 miles up Mauna Loa Road where individuals will come across a vast diversity of plant life, lava flows, and a myriad of bird species.
The Stewardship at the Summit event is primarily aimed at removing Himalayan ginger from park trails. The organizers will provide tools and gloves for the participants who are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Check in takes place at the Kilauea Visitor Center, and the event is set to run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants should anticipate a mile-long hike round trip that might experience an elevation change of up to 400 feet during the hike, according to the National Park Service's event page.