Visitors give big: Record $400K in donations made in support of Hawaiʻi, American Samoa national parks

National parks visitors made an incredible difference during the past year, generously donating a record-breaking $400,000 since October 2024 at Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association visitor center stores in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa national parks during the checkout process.

Every dollar given at the register stays in the park where it was donated, helping care for these priceless places — supporting wildlife such as nēnē, the native Hawaiian geese, at Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national parks; preserving cultural sites such as the great heiau, or temple, at Puʻukoholā National Historic Site outside Kawaihae on the northwest side of the Big Island; and enhancing the visitor experience.

“This incredible $400,000 milestone is a testament to the love people have for these national parks,” said Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association Executive Director Mel Boehl in an association release about the record donations. “[Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association] extends a heartfelt mahalo to every visitor who chose to give back — you are helping to keep these places special for generations to come.”

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association has worked in partnership with the National Park Service for more than 92 years. It is a nonprofit partner that helps support seven national park sites in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa.

“[Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association] is proud to pass 100% of these donations directly to the national parks where they are given,” said Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association Sales Director Michelle Augello in the release. “It is wonderful to see such strong support for national parks and for the vital work of protecting and preserving these treasured places for the future.

Anyone who wants to donate but can’t visit right now can do so on the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association website.

Proceeds from its visitor center stores at parks and online shop have contributed a total of more than $32 million in support to the parks since 1933.

Follow Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association on Instagram @hawaiipacificparks, Facebook @Hawaii.Pacific.Parks.Association and Bluesky ‪@hawaiipacificparks.bsky.social to see how visitor donations help protect these special places.

You can also find additional information and learn more about how you can support it and the national parks of the Pacific at the association’s website.