The highly anticipated Experience Volcano Festival is set to take place this weekend, March 16-17, 2024, in the charming Volcano Village, Hawaii. The annual festival invites both locals and visitors to embark on a five-mile journey through this tight-knit community, which serves as the gateway to the renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Festival organizers expect an attendance of between 4,000 and 5,000 people, promising a weekend filled with food, live music, cultural presentations, and vibrant local vendors.
Jesse Tunison, president of Experience Volcano Hawaii, emphasized the festival’s significance in showcasing the unique offerings of the area. “If you’re going to the national park—the most visited tourist attraction in the state—you’re going through Volcano Village, but a lot of people are not familiar with the Volcano area,” he explained. The festival originated in 2018 as a response to the Kilauea eruption, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among local businesses.
The festivities kick off Saturday morning with the Ohia Lehua Runs, featuring a half marathon at 7 a.m. and a 5K at 7:15 a.m.. Registration details can be found on the official race website. On Sunday, a farmer’s market will precede the main festival events, operating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Cooper Center.
Festival activities will span from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, offering over 65 opportunities for attendees to engage in live music, Hawaiian cultural presentations, and interactive events. This year marks the grand opening of Lanikai Brewing‘s new taproom, situated along the festival route. The establishment, founded by Steve Haumschild, will feature locally sourced food and beverages, underscoring the festival’s commitment to supporting local enterprises.
In an effort to enhance accessibility and reduce traffic congestion, a free shuttle service provided by KapohoKine Adventures will operate throughout the festival. Attendees can park at the golf course, which serves as the primary parking area, and catch shuttles to various festival points. Visitors are encouraged to utilize this service, which includes informative tour guides sharing insights about the town during the ride.
To add excitement, festival-goers can participate in a stamp rally by visiting all seven designated stops along the festival route. Those who complete the rally will be entered into a raffle for a grand prize: a five-night stay in Las Vegas, alongside over 40 additional prizes such as spa packages and local coffee selections.
Cultural events will feature hands-on activities like make-and-take lei crafting, traditional Makahiki sports, and various hula performances. Attendees can also explore crafts such as lauhala weaving and pua hulu, or feather flower-making. Live music will be a highlight throughout the festival, featuring performances from local talents including the Screaming Geckos and traditional Japanese taiko drumming.
Tunison expressed particular excitement for the performance by local musical icon Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, who will take the stage from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the golf course and from noon to 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Volcano Winery. “She picked up the award for Best Female Vocalist of the Year at the Nahoku Awards,” Tunison noted, highlighting her beloved status within the community.
Most festival activities are free, with the exception of the wine tasting and the historic homes tour organized by the Volcano Community Foundation. This popular tour, which sells out every year, has been expanded to include significant homes in Volcano Village and insights about the Volcano Golf Course, featuring architect Boone Morrison this year.
“Our aim is to highlight different experiences and a unique lifestyle that exists here,” Tunison stated. “It’s not a beach culture. It’s up at 4,000 feet, in the mist.”
For more information about the Experience Volcano Festival, visit www.experiencevolcano.com/experiencevolcanofestival.
