Haleakalā Officials Seek Kiaʻi Ala Hele Trail Stewards

Haleakalā National Park. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Haleakalā National Park is seeking volunteers for its Kiaʻi Ala Hele trail stewards program that begins in June 2014.

“Kiaʻi Ala Hele,” which loosely translates as trail caretaker, is a program developed by the park to educate backpackers and visitors about the natural and cultural resources within the crater.

Park officials say volunteers will hike popular trails in the Summit District and provide important information to visitors about wilderness ethics, safety, and making informed decisions.

Volunteers will hike popular trails in the Summit District of Haleakala National Park and provide information to visitors.

“This is a chance for community members to teach park visitors about the geology, culture, and unique plants and animals of Haleakalā and help the National Park Service protect this special place,” said volunteer coordinator Melissa Chimera in a park service announcement.

Applications are due by April 30.

The volunteer positions are open to Maui residents who have a valid driver’s license, and can commit a minimum of eight hours per month. Volunteers must also be able to hike at high altitudes of 10,000 feet in steep terrain.