Haleakala National Park - For Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

In the natural laboratory of the park, students can experience first-hand the human history, geology, and biological wonders that make Hawaii and Haleakala special.

There are two ways to visit the park with your class:
1. Schedule one of our curriculum-based programs, guided by park staff
2. Schedule a visit without park staff, exploring on your own.

If you can't come to the park, you can still include the National Park System in your classroom. Check out LearnNPS for more.

Curriculum-Based Programs
These programs were designed to address Hawaii DOE standards for each grade level. While some walking is included in each program, educational goals are met through activities which attempt to involve every student.

K-1st grade: "Home is Where the Habitat Is" Students explore Hosmer Grove to discover that animals need food, shelter, and friends too. (1 hour; 25 student maximum, 1/4 mile)

2nd grade: in development

3rd grade: "Who lives at Haleakala National Park?" Conducted among the wildlife and native plants of the park, these fun activities help explain how those very special species came to the islands, how they adapted and what makes them unique. (From 9am to 1pm including lunchtime; 60 student maximum, 1/2 mile)

4th grade: "A Walk Through Time" As they walk and do activities on a historic trail through native shrubland, students discover that environment and culture are tied together, and affect one another. (From 9am to 1pm including lunchtime and 30 minutes transit time in the park; 60 student maximum, 1.5 miles at elevation)

5th grade: "If Rocks Could Talk" Students hike a dramatic volcanic landscape as geologists would, mapping and doing exercises that teach them to listen to the landscape and its secrets. (Program runs from 9am to 1pm including lunchtime and one hour of transit time in the park; 60 student maximum, 1 mile at elevation)

6th grade: In development.

Grades above 6th are also welcome! Call the education coordinator to discuss scheduling a guided program for upper grades or college groups.

Scheduling a curriculum-based program with park staff:

There is no charge for these programs.
Programs are offered when weather allows: 10 weeks in spring (mid-March through May), and 4 weeks in the fall (October).
We must receive your request at least one month prior to your proposed visit. Tell us your proposed group size, grade level, and the best dates for your visit. Once you have scheduled, a pre-visit packet of activities will be sent, post-visit activities are provided at the time of your visit.
Call 808 572-4453 early in the school year to schedule; our calendar fills fast!

Bus Subsidies (We know buses are expensive!):
IF you are a Maui county teacher, 2. AND if you have scheduled a visit for your class on one of our guided programs listed above, THEN we can help you with subsidizing the costs of renting a bus to the park. The Hawaii Natural History Association assists the park in its mission and provides grants for subsidizing the costs of bus trips to the park. Ask the education coordinator for details.

Exploring on your own - Coming to the park without a guided program.
Step One: Contact our education coordinator at least one month prior to your trip. Large groups can only be accommodated in certain areas of the park and cannot conflict with regular visitor programs or with guided school groups. Groups on wilderness trails without park guides can be no larger than 12, including adults. Groups larger than 12 must break into smaller units, and begin and maintain 30 minute spacing on the same trail. Call the park to check if your trip plan includes trails in the Wilderness Area.
Step Two: Ask the education coordinator for a fee waiver form. If approved by the Entrance Station supervisor, this allows your group to enter the park without paying an entrance fee. Fee waivers can only be awarded to schools/educational institutions, not civic groups. You will be required to submit a lesson plan to show educational intent.

Other Educational Opportunities

Rock Box
Educators on Maui can borrow a traveling Rock Box from Haleakala National Park. It includes three identical sets of rock samples, magnifying glasses, identification cards, teacher resources and curriculum ideas. Call the education coordinator for details.

Neighbors
Great places to visit just outside the park, on the same road! These facilities are not affiliated with the park and are outside park boundaries and jurisdiction. Your must contact these groups to schedule programs or tours with them. If you have scheduled programs with them, you will not need a fee waiver to enter and pass through the park. However, if you will stop in the park to use bathrooms or picnic grounds, you must apply for a fee waiver and contact the education coordinator by phone or fax at least one month in advance.

Haleakala Observatories
Several agencies lease or own facilities near the summit. Each agency fulfills different missions using different equipment. Tour types and availability vary with each organization; you may need to contact more than one to determine which site meets your curriculum needs. Department of Defense facilities information is available on their website. The University of Hawaii also has facilities on the mountaintop.

The Nature Conservancy's Waikamoi Preserve
Cloud forest, rare native plants and birds. Call The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Maui Field Office at 808 572-7849 to schedule and check out their website for more information.

Contact our Education Coordinator
EE Coordinator
c/o Haleakala National Park
PO Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768
808 572-4453 phone
808 572-1304 fax