Volcano Art Center

10/31/2026

Botanical Painting with Puakea Soares

Join local artist Puakea Soares in painting a 3.5” round ornament of rare native plants unique to Hawaiʻi Island, and specifically the Niaulani Forest.

The location of this class has been changed to the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
All supplies are provided and the class is now free however suggested donations range from $10-$15. Call 808-967-7565 to reserve your spot, or register online.

10/30/2026

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
November 27th | 5pm

Join us for a community tree lighting celebration at VAC’s Niaulani Campus on Friday, November 27th. Festivities begin at 5:00pm at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. In Volcano Village.

10/30/2026

Thursday Night at the Center: Your Life Is Art
November 19th | 6pm
Niaulani Campus

Ever wondered if what you do is considered art?
Do you even consider yourself an artist?
This lively, multigenerational moderated talk story unpacks how art – in its countless forms – colors our everyday lives in surprising ways we often don’t notice
A panel of three women, Waiʻala Ahn, Mellony Puakea Soares, and Lynn Melena each from a different generation, background, and occupation, will share their experiences of how art has been an active, and sometimes invisible, force throughout their journeys – and how you can uncover where inspiration and creativity dwell in your own life.
Please join us as we share our experiences of living art.
This presentation is free, although donations are greatly appreciated.

10/29/2026

https://youtu.be/2CcB23HdqRU?si=xfr_a66r5Odn4l_L Tune in this Sunday, November 1st at 10am H.S.T. to our YouTube channel to discover how Princess Kaʻiulani’s presentation gown was brought back to life! Fashion and textile artist Irisgil Viacrusis shares the story of recreating it by hand, stitch by loving stitch. Video by Toxikc Colour Visuals Mahalo to Hawaii – gohawaii.com for sponsoring this ongoing Volcano Voices event.

Want to donate to our non-profit? Click here: https://volcanoartcen...

10/25/2026

https://youtu.be/AlmMJBMu9dw?si=oCLdIp69h6ilWTMU The Forest Fair last weekend October, 17 was a fun and educational event for the community. Watch this video on our YouTube channel! Subscribe, like, comment and share! Big mahalo's to some of our sponsors Hawaii – gohawaii.com Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/23/2026

Swing Dance: Swinging in the Forest
October 30, November 6, November 13th

Get ready to swing! Join Hilo Hep Cats instructors Andrea Gill and Emily Zeller for a fun and energetic Beginning Swing Dance Class at Volcano Arts Center’s Varez Hall. This three-session series will meet Fridays, October 30, November 6, and November 13, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

No partner is necessary—Andrea and Emily will introduce students to the basics of swing in a welcoming, social atmosphere where everyone can learn, move, and have a good time.

Founded in 2001, Hilo Hep Cats has since brought respected swing instructors to Hawaii island while teaching and performing in a variety of swing styles from Lindy Hop to the Charleston.

This three-session class is $60 for VAC members and $65 for non-members; register online or call (808) 967-8222.

10/20/2026

Starting on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 11-1 join us at the Volcano Art Center Gallery located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for Botanical Ornament Painting with Puakea Soares. Soul Fitness Hawaii Trainer & Nutrition Coach Mellony PK Soares Mercado Create a painted ornament rare native plants unique to the rainforests of Hawai'i. $15 non-VAC members/$10 VAC members. Park fees apply. Sponsored by Hawaii – gohawaii.com

10/15/2026

https://youtu.be/DyvmlfOJ3nc?si=YXYxouYz0n8vGBcU Join us this Sunday at 10am on our YouTube channel for the hula performance that we had on October 10, 2026 from Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E under the direction of Iwalani Kalima who has been a Kumu hula for the last 40 years. Every second Saturday we offer free hula from 10:30-11:30 at the pa that is adjacent to our gallery located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Park fees apply. Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Want to donate to our non-profit? Click here: https://volcanoartcen...

10/15/2026

Happening At VACʻs Forest Fair Event this SATURDAY!