What We Do Forest Education & Restoration
| Rain Forest Education & Restoration |
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Learn about a rare Hawaiian rain forest. Volcano Art Center's Rain Forest Restoration and Education Project was founded in 2006 in efforts to maintain the integrity of Niaulani as a rare Hawaiian forest type by connecting people to it. The program offers ways in which the local and global community can gain intimate, meaningful learning experiences through interpretational and hands-on activites. All monies generated from our forest programs fund the future caretaking of the Niaulani Rain Forest. 
Niaulani Rain Forest Tour
Our guided Niaulani Rain Forest Tour is held every Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon--rain or shine, including holidays.
Visitors learn about Ni`aulani’s overall ecological importance as one of the last old- growth koa/`ohi`a rain forests, our current role in its protection, the continued threats to the integirty of it. People also get to see how native plants have co-evolved with Hawaii’s dwindling native bird species, and discover how migratory bird patterns greatly depicted Hawai‘is natural history post-human contact.
The human component of Ni`aulani’s history is also revealed, with an emphasis on traditional uses of plants and spiritual reverence of the dynamic Kilauea region to the Hawaiian people.
This free tour has been running strong since 2006 with the help of the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, but future private donations and other funding will ensure its continued operation in the years to come.
Plan Your Day Learning About and Helping the Niaulani Rain Forest
*all activities subject to resource availability and require one adult per 10 students for supervision/safety precautions. Niaulani bookmarks are given to all rain forest tour attendees, and restoration volunteers are gifted an illustrated, informative Native Plants of Niaulani poster. Learn more About Niaulani Rain Forest, and gain access to free educational materials!  The Volcano Rain Forest Restoration and Education Project is funded in part by the 2012 Hawaii Tourism Authority Natural Resource Program.Planning a visit to Volcano, Hawai'i Island? See our Visitor Information page for accommodation and restaurant listings, as well as weather forcasts. |
Custom Niaulani Tours - 1 hr
Niaulani Forest Restoration - 2 hrs
Eco-Art Activities - 2+ hrs
Cultural Activities & Demonstrations - 1,2 hrs