Effective on September 6, 2024, ranger-led field trips are not available due to shortage of education staff. Classroom visits and distance learning are still available.
Follow these steps to successfully schedule a ranger-led field trip:
Make a Reservation (required): Program reservations are required at least one month in advance and group size is limited to a maximum of 50 students per day. Program availability is first-come, first-served. To request a reservation and an academic fee waiver, please complete and submit the Education Request Form to the Education team at nps_hale_eec@nps.gov.
Academic Fee Waivers: Academic fee waivers must be submitted in a PDF file at least two weeks in advance and are not granted automatically. A signature is required in section 5 of the Education Request Form. Applicant groups must show they qualify for the waiver. There are three criteria the group must meet to qualify for an academic fee waiver:
Eligibility
Relevance of park resources or facilities to academic program
Academic purpose
Self-Guided Field Trips: If schools are not able to participate in a ranger-led field trip and would like to lead an independent field trip, please submit an Education Request Form to nps_hale_eec@nps.gov.
Service Learning: Any field trip or education program to Haleakalā that involve service learning require at least two months in advance request and are subject to project availability. Service learning that involve outplanting native species require at least six months in advance request and dependent on plant availability. To request service learning, contact the Haleakalā Volunteer Coordinator at hale_volunteer@nps.gov.
Travel Grants: Notavailable at this time.
Booking Transportation Services: School groups may hire transportation services of their choice and do not need to apply for a permit with us. Transportation services does not need to be one of the park's authorized commercial service companies. Vehicles cannot be a coach sized bus. The maximum size transportation vehicle is a regulation school bus. School groups need to apply for the Educational Fee Waiver and drivers must have a copy of the fee waiver at time of entry.
Preparing for Your Trip
If you are a teacher enrolled in a ranger-led field trip, please review and distribute the information below. Planning ahead and preparing your group will help make the park visit a memorable and fun learning experience for you and your students.
After your visit to Haleakalā, please complete our evaluation form and return it via email to the nps_hale_eec@nps.gov. Your feedback is very important to us and will help us improve education experiences for future teachers and students.
Grade Levels:Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject(s):Science
Pāhoehoe lava rock is one of many rock formations made by volcanoes. Rocks can show us all kinds of information like types of volcanoes and kinds of lava flowed, where lava flowed and whether lava cooled down fast or slow. Geology rocks!
Grade Levels:Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject(s):Science
Many of Haleakalā’s forest birds have evolved and adapted over time with specific niches in their habitat. Explore how these adaptations are important to the health and stability of native habitats. Learn about the threats to these rare and endemic forest birds and what Haleakalā National Park is doing to protect them from extinction.
Grade Levels:Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject(s):Science
Biodiversity is critical to the health of native habitats and species in Haleakalā National Park. Many plants on the slopes of Haleakalā are endemic and evolved to live in these unique habitats. Explore these habitats and learn why biodiversity is important and how Haleakalā National Park protects these rare, endemic, and endangered species.
Grade Levels:Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject(s):Science
A habitat or home is not only important to people but plants and animals need them to survive. A habitat of native trees like ʻōhiʻa, amaʻu ferns, and the shrub plant kūpaoa provide food, water, space, and shelter for many native species.