Visitors donate $415,000 to Hawaiʻi and American Samoa national parks, including Haleakalā

Visitors donated $415,000 over the past 12 months at Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association visitor center stores in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa, supporting programs at Haleakalā National Park on Maui and other national park sites, the nonprofit said Thursday.

The association said donors gave more than $97,600 in the last three months alone. The donations came at store checkout counters during fiscal year 2026, when a partial federal government shutdown disrupted park operations and hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and damaging weather periodically closed parks.

All donated money remains within parks. For example, funds support educational and wildlife programs at Haleakalā National Park, the association said. Visitor donations help protect nēnē and Hawaiian petrels at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Donations also help preserve cultural sites and stories at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, and improve the visitor experience at each location.

Association Executive Director Mel Boehl said park partners value the flexibility the counter donations give them to meet program needs.

“They, and we, are reminded of the great love of parks visitors,” Boehl said.

“People continue to demonstrate support for the parks they cherish,” said association Sales Director Michelle Augello. “Their support ensures these treasured places remain vibrant and protected for future generations.”  

The association has worked with the National Park Service for more than 93 years and partners with seven national park sites in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. The nonprofit said proceeds from its visitor center park stores and online shop have contributed more than $35 million to parks since 1933.

People who cannot visit the parks can donate online.