2025 was a challenging year for the Friends, but ultimately we strengthened the way we serve Haleakalā
Despite a two-month proactive pause in volunteer fieldwork to strengthen safety training and protocols and the federal government shutdown in October, Friends of Haleakalā National Park finished the year with more volunteer service hours and more direct support provided to Haleakalā than in 2024. When fieldwork resumed, our volunteer leaders returned with advanced certifications and renewed readiness to serve.
This progress is rooted in one thing: the dedication of our FHNP community.
Below is a snapshot of what we accomplished together. You can read the details of our 2025 accomplishments in the full report here: FHNP 2025 Year in Review.
Service in Action in 2025
From the crater to the coast, FHNP volunteers put boots on the ground in 2025. Our multi-day backcountry service trips to Hōlua, Palikū, and Kapalaoa focused on invasive species removal, native plant seed collection, and trail support in some of the most remote areas of the park. Volunteers pulled invasive bull thistle from fragile alpine ecosystems, collected native seeds for long-term restoration and seed-banking, and supported maintenance efforts that keep these backcountry areas safe and protected. In Kīpahulu, volunteers helped clear weed overgrowth from historic and culturally significant sites, as well as helping in the Kapahu Living Farm, a traditional Hawaiian wetland taro farm located within the national park, with the Kīpahulu ʻOhana.
At the park’s native plant nursery, volunteers supported propagation and restoration efforts by cleaning pots, assisting with plant care, and preparing materials for future outplanting projects.
This work is often quiet and physically demanding. It happens in wind, rain, heat, and cold. And it happens because community members are willing to dedicate their time to mālama Haleakalā.
Empowering the Next Generation
Investing in future stewards of Haleakalā remained a cornerstone of FHNP’s work in 2025. Through our full funding support of the 2025 Haleakalā Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program, five local East Maui youth spent two months working alongside park staff on trail maintenance, resource protection, and hands-on conservation projects. These experiences provide more than summer employment. They offer mentorship and a pathway to conservation careers rooted in their own backyard.
FHNP also awarded three $2,000 memorial scholarships honoring Don Reeser, Mary Evanson, and Dr. Fern Duvall, conservation leaders whose legacies continue to shape our organization. These scholarships support emerging leaders pursuing education and careers connected to stewardship in Hawaiʻi and Haleakalā. Learn about the amazing 2025 recipients here.
A 100% Volunteer-Driven Organization
Friends of Haleakalā National Park remains a 100% volunteer-driven organization. Our board members, trip leaders, and nursery coordinators donate their time to organize service trips, support park needs, and welcome new stewards into the work. In 2025, 101 individuals contributed their time and energy to mālama Haleakalā. From first-time volunteers to seasoned backcountry regulars, this work is powered entirely by people who care deeply about this place. That model matters. It keeps our focus on service, partnership, and community connection rather than overhead. It ensures that when people support FHNP, they are supporting hands-on stewardship.
As we look ahead to our 30th year of service in 2026, we remain committed to connecting diverse communities to Haleakalā through meaningful volunteer opportunities.
To explore the full 2025 Year in Review, including program highlights and detailed impact metrics, view the complete report by clicking on the image of the report below.
