We’re days away from the 6th Annual Experience Volcano Festival and Volcano Village is already buzzing with excitement – If you’ll be visiting Hawai’i Island the weekend of July 26th and 27th, you don’t want to miss this event!
Where else can you experience mesmerizing hula, run through a beautiful ‘ohi’a forest, stroll through a secret garden, sample local wine after touring the winery, savor delicious meals crafted with aloha, hear Japanese taiko drums, and quite likely see a volcano erupting?! The festival is your chance to experience it all!
Here are the top 9 spots to check out at this year’s festival:
- The Volcano School of Art
Kick off the weekend with Volcano’s ‘Ohi’a Lehua Half Marathon and 5K. In 2019, the race debuted alongside the first Experience Volcano Festival. This year, the tradition continues, with the fun run beginning and ending at the Volcano School of Art. Created to be a platform for spreading awareness about Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD) and educating the community on how to preserve our precious ‘ohi’a trees, the course takes walkers and runners through an ‘ohi’a forest, reminding us of why preventing ROD is so important.
Tutu’s Tip: Partial road closures will be in effect in the Volcano Village area prior to the festival hours for the safety of the runners, so plan accordingly. And keep an eye out for pedestrians and volunteers on the roads throughout the weekend!
- Volcano Golf Course
Following the race, head to Volcano Golf Course, the oldest golf course on the island, for the festival’s Opening Oli (Hawaiian Chant) at 10am. It will certainly set the tone for an inspiring weekend of immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, Volcano-style. The golf course will also be the site of a variety of festival activities for all ages, from Makahiki Sports, a collection of traditional Hawaiian games and athletic competitions, to Hawaiian contemporary music and even a Beer Garden on Saturday!
- The Volcano Winery
The southernmost winery in the United States, Volcano Winery will offer an Estate white tea harvest workshop. You can also catch some talented halau’s dancing hula while you sample the winery’s signature wines. Or listen to award-winning Hawaiian music and contemporary favorites from local musicians while sipping on a glass of Volcano Red, Volcano Blush, or Macadamia Nut Honey Wine in the tasting room.
- Old Volcano Road
On Saturday, the Volcano Community Foundation will offer an unforgettable tour along Old Volcano Road during the festival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see inside the historic Shipman House, one of the first homes to be built in Volcano, as well as the restored gardens of Bide-a-Wee, the Kennedy family’s estate. This tour will be led by guides with extensive knowledge about Volcano Village’s early years. Space is very limited, so advance reservations are required. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit experiencevolcano.com/experiencevolcanofestival
5. Kilauea Lodge
The Volcano Community Foundation will also have a booth at Kilauea Lodge during both days of the festival. Stop by to learn more about the foundation and stay for the music and dance, from Hawaiian hula to performances by Puna Taiko, a Japanese drumming group bringing the power of Japanese drums to Volcano.
- Volcano Art Center
Head over to the Volcano Art Center in the heart of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, for a cultural rainforest walk and tour. On both days, you can also learn about rare forest birds like the ‘alala with the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center any time. In addition to enjoying hula, learn the traditional art of lei making at the center and discover the Hawaiian woodblock printing of the late iconic artist Dietrich Varez.
- Volcano Garden Arts
Treat your ears to the sound of contemporary country music and Hawaiian favorites at Volcano Garden Arts. If you visit the garden on Saturday, you can take a self-guided tour through a secret garden. Visiting Volcano Garden Arts on Sunday? Explore the art of carving a traditional Hawaiian drum, known as a pahu! And on either day, you can join owner and artist Ira Ono in ceramic mask making.
- Lava Rock Cafe
Live Hawaiian music is on tap at the Lava Rock Cafe, as well as classes in Hawaiian lei making, ohe kapala (Hawaiian stamp making), pua hulu (feather flower making), and ulana lauhala weaving, which is the Hawaiian practice of weaving the leaves of the hala tree (pandanus) into hats and more.
If you think that Volcano Village is simply a gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, we encourage you to join us for the festival on July 26th and 27th, from 10am to 4pm both days. From mesmerizing music and hula to wine tasting and lei making, this is your chance to experience Volcano, Hawai’i on a whole exciting new level.
With the ongoing eruption of Kilauea, there’s never been a better time to visit Volcano Village and stay at our charming vacation rental near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. For the best lodging in Volcano Hawai’i, we invite you to stay at the Volcano Heritage Cottages’ Ola House. Located in the heart of Volcano Village, it’s mere minutes away from all the festivities. Book your Volcano Hawaii vacation home rental today and get ready for a Big Island experience that you’ll never forget!