Haleakalā Celebrates National Park Week

Haleakala photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Haleakalā National Park on Maui will participate in National Park Week with a series of activities planned April 20 to 28, 2013.

The park is offering free admission Monday through Friday in observance of the week-long event. Free programs are also being offered in both the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts.

Park officials encourage the exploration of the grounds and have compiled a list of activities (provided below) that are being held in conjunction with National Park Week.

At the Summit:

• Junior Ranger Program: Kids ages 7 – 12 can learn about the park through completing a free activity booklet and earning a badge. Offered daily.
• Hike Pā Ka`oao: Meet at House of the Sun Visitor Center for this 20 minute hike to a wonderful view of the crater, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., daily.
• Waikamoi Preserve Hike: This 3 mile, 3.5 hour hike focuses on the history, plants, and animals of the area. Call 572-4400 for reservations, a week in advance. 8:45 a.m., Monday, April 22, and Thursday, April 25.
• Hosmer Grove Hike: Experience the home of native plants and rare birds on this 45 minute hike. Call 572-4400 for reservations, a week in advance. This is offered at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, Wednesday, April 24, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27.
• Junior Ranger Day–Meet a Ranger: Not all rangers do the same work, wear the same uniform, or use the same tools. Meet park rangers and discover the different jobs that they do. Meet at Hosmer Grove. Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 27.

At Kīpahulu:

• Junior Ranger Program: Kids ages 7 – 12 can learn about the park through completing a free activity booklet and earning a badge. Offered daily.
• Pīpīwai Trail Hike: Join a park naturalist on a 2 hour guided hike along Pīpīwai Trail for views of Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls. Daily, 10am-12pm. Meet at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center. No reservations required.
• East Maui Taro Festival: Join park staff at the event at the Hāna Ball Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, April 20.
• Cultural Demonstrations: Experience native Hawai`i through participating in cultural demonstrations, taking place 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, and Friday, April 26. Meet at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center.
• Junior Ranger Day: Kids ages 7 – 12 can learn about the park through completing a free activity booklet, completing special activities, and earning a badge on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

***Supporting information courtesy: National Park Service, Haleakalā.