Blog

If you plan to visit the National Park of American Samoa, you may meet HPPA's Melekuini in the fascinating visitor center and park store. This U.S. national park in the South Pacific is remote, but it is visited by cruise ships all year long, as well as dedicated independent travelers. HPPA loves to tell the story of this incredible place, our partner, through the products we sell and the park programs and projects we help fund with those proceeds. You may pick up a fun fruit bat shirt or a coconut crab puzzle kit, and while you're there, you may meet this remarkable person. Here is her story.

*

I started working for the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association at the National Park of American Samoa on September 19, 2025. Before that, my journey in the park first began when I became a KUPU conservation intern with the National Park Service. At first I worked in trail maintenance, caring for our native plants and spending long days out in the forest. That experience really deepened my love and respect for the land. Later, I transitioned into park interpretation, where I was able to connect with visitors and share what makes this place so special. I later interned with the American Conservation Experience, where I gained even more skills and helped lead the dendrology program. During my term, I earned certifications in Oxygen Use, Emergency First Response, CMS, and FEMA. Those opportunities strengthened both my skills and my confidence. Altogether, these experiences helped me realize that I wanted to continue working in a national park, protecting the environment while sharing knowledge and Samoan culture with others.

The National Park of American Samoa is especially meaningful because it protects not only natural resources but also the living Samoan culture. The land is communally-owned by local families, and the partnership between the National Park Service and the villages helps ensure that traditions, language, and customs continue to thrive. This park is not just a destination — it is our home and our heritage.

I bring my Samoan heritage and personal life experiences with me every day. Visitors are often curious about our culture and they ask about the designs on our tribal stickers or the story behind Pola Island. I truly enjoy sharing those stories. When I talk about living through the 2009 tsunami, it becomes more than just information, it becomes a real, human connection. Personal stories help visitors understand not only the beauty of our island, but also the resilience and strength of our people. Every conversation is an opportunity. When I share stories about our culture or explain why certain plants and animals are important, I’m helping visitors to understand why resource protection matters. Education builds awareness, and awareness leads to respect and preservation. I start by listening. I ask where they’re from and how many parks they plan to visit. Then I share a little about myself and our culture. Being welcoming, smiling, and sharing personal stories helps to bridge cultural differences and create authentic, meaningful connections.

We open at 8 a.m., but most park visitors begin arriving around 9. On a regular day we may welcome 20 or more visitors, but when cruise ships arrive it becomes much busier. My day includes greeting everyone, answering questions, giving directions and recommendations, restocking shelves with park merchandise and information, and assisting with purchases at the HPPA park store area of the visitor center. But more than anything, my job is about making people feel welcome. Every day brings different conversations, which keeps the work exciting and meaningful. Also, many people are surprised to learn that our park does not charge an entrance fee. In January, a visitor from a cruise ship offered his NPS pass card, and we explained that there is no admission fee. He then generously offered a $10 donation instead. What made this even more special was that others in line saw his kindness and decided to donate as well. I was truly touched by their generosity and willingness to support the park, because park donations stay right there to do important work.

One of my favorite sales items is the Travel Park (park logo) shirt with the fruit bat on the back. I love the idea that visitors can travel to other national parks, take photos, tag the park or HPPA, and share their journeys on social media with us and the world. It creates a sense of connection between parks and people everywhere. Many visitors also gravitate toward smaller items that are easy to carry, especially the green and white National Park of American Samoa logo magnet. It’s a simple but meaningful souvenir. 

Each area of the park offers something unique — hiking through the rainforest on the Mount Alava Trail, snorkeling in the waters of Ofu, or walking along the coast near Pola Island. Every place in the park has its own peaceful beauty that makes it special. My favorite animal is the Samoan flying fox, also called the fruit bat. They are important pollinators and play a huge role in keeping our forests healthy. They’re also beautiful, especially with soft brown fur around their necks. As for plants, my favorite is the coconut tree, niu in Samoan. In this culture, it is often called the “tree of life.” From food to tools to household items, nearly every part of the tree can be used. It represents sustainability, resourcefulness, and tradition.

What makes working here great is the strong support from our leadership. I feel encouraged to keep learning and growing, and there are always opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills. I also love meeting people from all over the world. Every day brings new conversations and perspectives, which makes the job even more rewarding. 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my little family and going snorkeling. Being in the ocean helps me relax and reminds me why protecting our natural resources is so important.

I am truly grateful to work in a place that represents both my culture and our environment. As I continue in my role with the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, I look forward to growing, learning more, and gaining new experiences. It means so much to me to help protect something that is deeply connected to who I am and to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant for future generations. I hope visitors leave feeling inspired and genuinely welcomed. I want them to appreciate not only the beauty of the park, but also the culture and history behind it. If they leave with a deeper understanding and respect for our island, then I feel like I’ve done my job.

*

Learn more about the National Park of American Samoa.

Pick up that cool park logo shirt and tag us and the park in your travels.

Donate to support national parks in the Pacific.

If your 2026 plans include visiting our national park partners in Hawaiʻi, lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to wander. From cool, fern-shaded forests to sandy footpaths tracing lava rock coastlines, national park trails in Hawaiʻi offer something for every pace and interest. With routes ranging from short and gentle to long and rugged, inspiration is never far away. And our park stores carry maps and guides to help you find your way.

West Hawaiʻi Island: Coastal Trails and Living History

Hawaiʻi Island, often called the Big Island, is home to four national park sites and one national historic trail that connects them. While Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may be the most famous, three remarkable sites along the island’s western coast reward visitors who take the time to explore.

Few people resist the palm-shaded beauty of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, but many don’t realize the adventure can continue south along the 1871 Trail. This historic coastal route passes the archaeological site of Kiʻilae Village and forms part of the much longer Ala Kahakai National Historical Trail. Along the way, hikers are treated to dramatic lava sea cliffs, the hypnotic rhythm of the ocean, ancient stonework, and quiet moments to reflect on the lives once sustained here by land and sea. A trail brochure detailing the lettered stops is available at the visitor center and HPPA park store, along with resources that deepen the story of this extraordinary place.



Just two miles north of Kailua-Kona Town, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park keeps its beauty well hidden from the highway. The visitor center and HPPA park store, set amid a vast lava field, offer only a hint of what lies beyond. A 15-minute walk brings you to the coast, where you can follow the shoreline past ancient fishponds and archaeological sites that echo village life. The roughly three-mile roundtrip blends open beach walking with sandy paths through native coastal plants, ending at the impressive Kaloko Fishpond and a lovely white sand picnic area. This is a hike meant to be lingered over, with plenty to see and discover.


At Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, many visitors come to see the great heiau, or temple, without realizing there’s also a half-mile loop trail beginning near the visitor center and HPPA park store. It passes two imposing stone heiau and descends to palm-shaded Pelekane Bay, once a royal canoe landing. Along the way, keep an eye out for native Hawaiian cotton bushes. At the bay, find a shady perch and watch blacktip reef sharks glide through the shallows. From December through April, humpback whales may appear offshore, while spinner dolphins can be seen year-round. Birds gather at the small wetland at the north end of the beach. Artists of all kinds have long found inspiration here.
LINK
One thing all three west coast sites share is sun and heat. Lava fields radiate warmth, shade can be scarce, and even cooling sea breezes can only help so much. Plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon, carry more water than you think you’ll need, wear sturdy footwear and a hat, and always let someone know where you’re headed.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Forests, Lava, and Wide-Open Space

At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Kīlauea Iki Trail is a favorite day hike. In just over three miles, the trail descends through native ʻōhiʻa and koa forest to the surface of the lava lake formed during a 1959 eruption. Steam rises from cracks in the black and silvery surface, and it’s easy to imagine a much older world beneath your feet. All around the trail, young trees and ferns have taken root in the cracks. Weather can change quickly here, so layers, water, hats, and sturdy footwear are essential.
Farther afield, the Kahuku Unit offers a completely different experience. Once a cattle ranch, this landscape of meadows, forests, cinder cones, and lava flows now provides a range of easy day hikes. The Puʻu o Lokuana Trail loops through former pastureland now ideal for picnics, but it’s just one of several options. Wildlife sightings may include Hawaiian owls hunting the meadows or the native Hawaiian hawk, the ʻio, soaring overhead. There’s no food or water on site, so come prepared, and be ready for intense sun or late-day mist and rains.


Maui: From Craters to Waterfalls

On Maui, many visitors drive straight to the summit of Haleakalā National Park. But, just before the top and at the 7,990-foot elevation mark, a left turn leads to the Halemauʻu Trail. This scenic route crosses misty native shrubland for a mile before opening onto a breathtaking crater overlook. From there, gentle switchbacks descend two miles to the grassy crater floor below. Even if you don’t hike the full route, a short walk beyond the overlook brings you to the locally loved “Rainbow Bridge,” where misty conditions often paint rainbows across the landscape. Native birds become more common as you descend, and Hawaiian nēnē geese frequently graze in the meadows below. Day hikers typically turn around near Hōlua Cabin (one more mile farther), carrying everything they need in and out.


In the lush Kīpahulu District on the northeast side of the island, the Pīpīwai Trail begins near the visitor center and park store, following Palikea Stream through a green, leafy tunnel. The trail climbs two miles inland to misty Waimoku Falls, with Makahiku Falls visible from a trail overlook just a half-mile in. Expect frequent rain, muddy sections, and a chorus of birdsong. Always check posted trail conditions and respect closures, as off-trail travel is both dangerous and illegal.

Caring for the Native Forests

A final note for hikers visiting native forests in Hawaiʻi: Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a fungal disease with a 100 percent mortality rate, has been detected here. All native forests contain ʻōhiʻa trees. Before your visit, please help protect these ecosystems by cleaning dirt from shoes, clothing, and gear, and spraying them with a 70 percent alcohol solution. With a little preparation and a lot of curiosity, hiking Hawaiʻi truly is a walk in the park.

*

Shop park guides and maps.

Gear up and study up for some great hikes in the parks.

Learn your Hawaiʻi plants and animals.

National Park Service (NPS) Ranger Jon Jokiel recently retired from Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park on Hawaiʻi Island, one of three national parks on the west coast of the island that interpret, protect, and preserve Hawaiian sites, culture, and values. We asked him to reflect a bit on his career and on his thoughts about how the park's long partnership with HPPA helped to support the important work of this national historical park. HPPA runs the visitor center park store and also supplies direct aid to the park for programs and projects.

*

I grew up in the community of Kaneohe on the island of Oʻahu. My father was a marine biologist and he helped start the University of Hawaiʻi Marine Lab on Coconut Island, so during my childhood I was in the ocean a lot of the time. I was surfing, swimming, diving, and playing with my brothers. I did not think I would specifically be a park ranger someday, but I think I knew I would do something related to protecting and working in an outdoor environment. Then I moved to the Pacific Northwest as an adult and really immersed myself in the outdoors—hiking and exploring the North Cascades and Olympic Mountains. Seeing NPS park rangers out there on the trails really appealed to me, and I admired the work they did helping others protect and interpret the environment.

Read more: Guiding Hands and Lasting Memories: Retired NPS Ranger Jon Jokiel on the Power of Park Programs...

Every holiday season, our online shop hub (based inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park) becomes a flurry of activity as people across Hawaiʻi, the U.S., and beyond choose gifts that support the national parks of Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. And behind each order is a real person who cares deeply about where your purchase goes and what it supports. Hi! I’m Kiry Galapir, and I’ve been part of Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association since 2007, joining the HPPA ʻohana just before an eruption of Kīlauea Volcano! Today, I manage the lively world of online orders and our commitment to sustainable packing. When you place an online order, I am the one who makes sure you get your package.

Here’s a peek at how your holiday national parks gifts and other purchases make their way from our warehouse on Hawaiʻi Island to your doorstep:

• Coffee First

Every good packing day begins with a cup of coffee—fuel for the season’s steady stream of thoughtful shoppers.

Read more: Where Gifts Give Back: Behind the Scenes at HPPA’s Online Shop

It’s always fun to talk about bats in October. Here at HPPA, where we love bats, we like to call them “sky puppies”!

Our six partner national park sites in Hawaiʻi are all places where you can try to catch a glimpse of the cute little fuzzball known as the Hawaiian hoary bat. “Hoary” means frosted, like “hoarfrost”, and here it describes a mature bat whose deep, glossy, brown fur is tipped with white. These bats can also have a tan collar and ears, with fancy black ear tips. Their Hawaiian name is ʻōpeʻapeʻa (oh pay uh pay uh) and they are pretty small—only 24 grams when fully grown. That is about the same weight as a AA battery. Their little wingspans max out at just about a foot wide. Small bats like this are called “microbats”.

Because of the difficulty of reaching these remote islands for just about any animal, the ʻōpeʻapeʻa is the only native land mammal in Hawaiʻi, and listed as an endangered species. Most scientists say that it is closely related to the North American hoary bat, and arrived in the islands a ~10,000 years ago, probably pulled along by the winds of a huge storm or series of storms.

Read more: Going To Bat for Bats

Do you know about The National Park of American Samoa? It is not only the most remote national park in the National Park Service system, it’s also located below the equator. What a biodiversity and cultural gem it is!

Rainforest to Reef

This park spans three islands—Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu—and protects tropical rainforest as well as some of the most beautiful coral reef you will ever see or experience (if you go, which you should). A kaleidoscope of fluttery, brightly-colored reef fish dances beneath the sea surface. The stunning, extensive reef has over 900 species of fish, and is also famous for its giant clams. Both the endangered hawksbill and the threatened green sea turtle nest on the park’s beaches and forage in its lagoons—hawksbills prefer sea sponges, and green sea turtles prefer algae.

Two different species of flying foxes, also called fruit bats, might soar gracefully overhead if you’re lucky, on their way to the forest to munch on fruit. Called Peʻālofa & Peʻāvao in Samoan, these large fruit bats are the park’s signature species. As the bats move through the forest they, er, distribute the fruit seeds, which makes them a highly valued forest-building critter. Around the HPPA offices we call them “sky puppies.”

Read more: Below the Equator: The Almost-Secret Wonders of the National Park of American Samoa

On Tuesdays on the sunbaked, windswept Kohala coast of Hawaiʻi Island, at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, you might hear the low murmur of laughter. Under the lānai (porch, patio) of the visitor center, Ed Dowling is laying out smooth black (lava) and white (coral) pebbles in round little depressions on a gridded board that he may made by hand, himself.

This is kōnane—sometimes casually referred to as “Hawaiian checkers,” though it’s closer in spirit to chess or Go. It’s a traditional game once played by the Hawaiian aliʻi (royal chiefs) to hone their strategic minds (it was also a favorite gambling game). The rules are deceptively simple: leap your opponent’s pieces, one by one, until no moves remain. But what begins as play quickly sharpens into a contest of wits.

Read more: Playing the Game of Hawaiian Royalty: Kōnane with Ed Dowling at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic...

Melody (Mel) Boehl is the executive director for Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association (HPPA). She has over thirty years of leadership experience and a Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, in business administration. Mel started her professional career with Big Four public accounting firm KPMG, then moved into leadership roles with the large nonprofits Blue Diamond Growers and Sutter Health. Mel and her husband, Andy, moved to Hawai‘i in 2015, where she joined the HPPA ʻohana as the business director before assuming the executive director position in 2022. We are celebrating her 10th anniversary with HPPA this month.

Read more: From the Heart of HPPA: Executive Director Mel Looks at Leadership