The next commercial-free day at Haleakalā National Park will occur on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 (start of Makahiki). 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 Oct. 11, the park will remain open to all visitors and regular entrance fees will apply.
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. Future commercial-free dates will be:
* Winter solstice (Dec. 21, 2016)
* End of Makahiki - after kapu period of Hua (Jan. 10, 2017)
* Summer solstice (June 21, 2017)
"We really hope 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.
Tags: haleakala haleakala national park maui hawaii native hawaiian cultural practices culture commercial services national park service nps
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
