The first commercial-free day at Haleakalā National Park will occur on Saturday, July 18, 2015. As specified in the park's Commercial Services Plan, commercial-free days are opportunities for Kanaka Maoli to conduct traditional cultural practices in the park without commercial tours present.
Although no commercial tours will be allowed on July 18, the park will remain open to all visitors. In determining all the commercial-free dates, park officials sought input from Native Hawaiian staff, community members, the Bishop Museum, and the park's kūpuna group. The five commercial-free dates for the next year will be:
″July 18, 2015 - Lolopua
″Nov. 12, 2015 - Makali'i, Hilo
Moon
″Dec. 22, 2015 - Ka'elo, Huna
Moon
″March 9, 2016 - Nana, Muku Moon
″June 21, 2016 - Iki'Iki, Akua Moon
"We are really hoping the community will take advantage of these commercial-free days to come to their
park," said Superintendent Natalie Gates. "We are also looking for ways to improve the experience if possible," she added.
For more information on commercial-free days and the park's Commercial Services Plan please visit https://www.nps.gov/hale/parkmgmt/csp.htm.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
