Haleakala National Park is an inspiring outdoor classroom rich in cultural and natural history. Many visitors enjoy learning about the area they are visiting by interacting with park staff. Park naturalists present a variety of interpretive programs throughout the year.

Kipahulu Area Programs: Orientation talks and hikes are offered periodically throughout the day as staffing permits. Inquire at the Kipahulu Visitor Center Desk or call 808-248-7375.

2-hour guided hike to Waimoku Falls - Daily at 10:00am - Meet at visitor center

1-hour guided walk to Kuloa Point - Daily at 10:00am - Meet at visitor center

Summit Area Programs: Summit area naturalists offer programs at varying locations. When you arrive in the park, stop by one of the visitor centers for the day's program offerings.

20 minute guided hike along Keonehe`ehe`e Trail (Sliding Sands) - Daily at 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am - Meet at Haleakala Visitor Center.

Citizen Scientist Project - Stop by the naturalist stations set up at varying locations around the park to learn about weather and climate, count native birds, find out how Native Hawaiians navigated using the night sky, and more! Participate at 3 or more stations and earn your Citizen Scientist badge.

Waikamoi Cloud Forest Hike
Location: Near Hosmer Grove - just inside park entrance
Time: Monday and Thursday at 8:45 a.m.; Reservations required.
Length: 3.5 hours, 3 miles, 500 ft elevation change
Rating: Moderately strenuous

Hike into the Nature Conservancy's Waikamoi Preserve. Here in windswept native cloud forests, native plants, birds, and invertebrates have woven an ecological fabric that supports some of the rarest and most beautiful of Earth's creatures. Once frequented only by those versed in proper protocol to enter the wao akua (realm of the gods), the preserve today is still off-limits except to those on special hikes led by the Nature Conservancy or park staff. Make a reservation for the hike up to one week in advance by calling 808 572-4459. Show up at least 5 minutes early and be prepared with layered clothing, raingear, water and sturdy shoes.

A sampling of Special Programs... Call for dates, details and other program offerings: 808 572-4400.

Walk on the Wet Side
Location: Near Hosmer Grove - Just inside park entrance
Time: Every 3rd Sunday of the month; Resevations required
Length: 5 hours, 5 miles, 600 ft elevation change
Rating: Moderately strenuous

This is a wet and muddy hike deep into The Nature Conservancy's Waikamoi Preserve. Experience a truly native Hawaiian forest. Discover the inhabitants of this healthy ecosystem. Access to this area is limited to organized hikes offered only by Haleakala National Park or The Nature Conservancy. Call 808 572-4459 to make a reservation up to one week in advance.