The Friends of Haleakalā National Park seeks enthusiastic and fit volunteers for a very strenuous three-night backpacking service trip into Haleakalā National Park’s Wilderness Areas from Friday through Monday, June 19 to 22.  The entrance fee is waived, and the trip is free except for sharing some costs of evening meals in the cabin.

This backcountry backpacking trip is both strenuous and unforgettable, totaling over 21 miles across varied, rustic terrain and steep elevation changes. Volunteers spend three nights in the Palikū Patrol Cabin, located at the lush, windward edge of Haleakalā Crater, where native ʻōhiʻa forests meet the dramatic cliffs of Palikū.

This is a rare opportunity to sleep surrounded by native ʻōhiʻa trees and wake to the songs of native Hawaiian forest birds, including the rare honeycreepers found in high elevation zones of Hawaiʻi. At night, the crater offers some of the best stargazing on Earth, with clear views of the Milky Way and thousands of visible stars.

Day hikes for volunteer work may span 8+ miles, often including a rugged day trek down a portion of the Kaupō Gap Trail. Service projects may include invasive weed removal (such as bull thistle), native seed collection, trail clearing, and cabin maintenance. Safety equipment and tools are provided by Haleakalā National Park. 

Evenings are spent in community, sharing meals and reflecting on the day’s work. You’ll carry in your own backpacking gear, including a sleeping bag, clothing for any weather, and food for your own breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  You must be in excellent physical condition and comfortable hiking long distances at elevation.

All participants must be 18+.  Prior trip experience is required, and advance signup is also required. Space is limited.

To join this trip, first visit and register your readiness at the website www.fhnp.org where more information can be found about the Friends’ mission and volunteer work to preserve and protect Haleakalā National Park. For more information or a reservation for this trip, or a future trip scheduled on the website, contact info@fhnp.org or beth@fhnp.org.