HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will present a special day in celebration of Hawaii's unique island heritage.  A cultural festival will be held sometime in July, exact date to be announced. Participants can sit back and enjoy Hawaiian music and hula, join in hands-on instructions in native crafts and games, and observe demonstrations of island arts and traditions.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established on August 1, 1916, "as a public park for the enjoyment of the people." An important purpose of the park is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and promote appreciation of its traditional values. The festival provides an ideal occasion for kupuna (elder) and keiki (child), and kamaaina (native born) and malihini (newcomer) to come together for a day of fun and sharing.

The festival will be held on the grass lawn fronting Kilauea Military Camp on Crater Rim Drive. Kilauea's weather at the 4,000' elevation can be hot and sunny, or cool and misty. Participants should wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring a ground mat, lunch, water, and rain jacket.

The free festival is cosponsored by The Hawaii Natural History Association and the Volcano Art Center. For more information call the park's division of interpretation at 808- 985-6011.

* Information from National Park Service