The Tropics

Come join aunty Melanie Moses as she shares her love of the traditional art of Hawaiian lei making.

Meet a Park Ranger at the Tuafanua trail parking lot for a one hour guided hike. This is a moderate hike, please plan accordingly. Call the Visitor Center for more details.

Attend our daily interpretive talk by a Park Ranger. Call the Visitor Center to see what program is being presented at this time. Topics will range from Volcanoes, Fruit Bats, History of the Park, Samoan Fale, The Coconut, to Samoa Legends. Can't wait to see you there! Most programs will take place at the Visitor Center. However, some may be presented elsewhere; double check with the Visitor Center when you call. Mondays: Establishing the National Park at the Visitor Center Tuesdays: Tree of Life with Coconut Husking Demonstration at the Visitor Center Wednesday: Fruits Bats at the Historic Tramway Look Out Thursday: Samoan Legends at the VIsitor Center Friday: Volcanic Formation of the Samoan Islands at the Visitor Center

Learn about traditional hawaiian healing practices, such as lomilomi, from Momi Nobriga Alber.

Join us for a demonstration of ʻohe kāpala, a traditional Hawaiian method of printing using carved bamboo stamps. Cultural practitioner Chantal Chung will share her creative process (from inspiration to final stamp placement) and demonstrate the techniques used to create intricate designs on kapa (bark cloth). Learn about the cultural significance of this art form and the meanings behind the patterns. Join us this Wednesday from 9am–2pm in the Royal Grounds at the hale between stations 1 and 2.

Ulana 'ie is the art of weaving the roots of the 'ie'ie vine. This material is used to make fishtraps, sturdy baskets and containers, and as a means of providing a protective layer to gourds and other carriers. The ancients also used it to weave intricate effigies of their ancestors and deities that were often only utilized for high ceremony or important events. Come join aunty Melba as she shares her passion for weaving 'ie'ie, and the amazing fish traps she's made.

Meet a Park Ranger at the Lower Sauma Trailhead for a one hour guided hike. This is an easy half mile hike. Call the Visitor Center for more information.

Aunty Keikiali'i SanFelippo has been a practitioner of ulana lau niu (coconut frond weaving) and a volunteer of our park for over 30 years. Join Aunty Keiki at station #16 to talk story and to learn about her craft.

Join Uncle Pomai Brown in his sharing of the ancient skill of Ulana 'ie'ie (weaving the roots of climbing screwpine); used to make hina'i (fishtraps), mahiole (helmets), Ki'i akua (god images), and more.

Let's go for a bird walk! Join Volunteer Veronica on October 20th for a bird walk! We'll meet at the park visitor center at 10:00 am and explore the trails until 11:30 am. This event is free, and no sign-up is required. Water, sunscreen bug spray, closed-toe shoes are strongly encouraged. Binoculars will be available to borrow. All birders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is open to all skill levels. We look forward to seeing you in the park!

Aunty Keikiali'i SanFelippo has been a practitioner of ulana lau niu (coconut frond weaving) and a volunteer of our park for over 30 years. Join Aunty Keiki at our breezeway to talk story and to learn about her craft.

Have you always wanted to learn more about Mangroves? This is your chance! Join Volunteer Denise for Mangroves in Motion: Ripple Effects and Underwater Secrets! This plant walk will start at the visitor center at 10:00 AM and will conclude around 11:30 AM. This event is free to the public and no sign-up is required. Water and closed-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. While we will be on the marsh trail for the whole hour and a half, we will be stopping to talk about mangroves along the way. We look forward to seeing you there!