This episode features Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui, Hawaii, from the perspective of its superintendent, Natalie Gates. Haleakalā National Park is home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano, whose peak rises to 10,023 feet. Known for its breathtaking sunrise—described by Mark Twain as "the most sublime spectacle"—and excursions into the volcano's crater, the park is both a stunning natural wonder and a deeply sacred place for Native Hawaiians.
Natalie, who has served as superintendent since 2013, offers insights into the innovative Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) used to protect Hawaiian forest birds, her monthly 13-mile hike into the crater, and her unique path from veterinarian to National Park Service leader. She also shares her thoughts on the sacred Kīpahulu District, a window into Old Hawaii, and the unparalleled sunrise experience at Haleakalā.
Sponsors:

• Who Runs This Park is presented by ExpertVoice: Outdoor brands like Big Agnes, Mammut, La Sportiva, Chaco and more offer discounts on ExpertVoice of up to 60% off for industry experts like you. And you can join ExpertVoice for free today and see what brands you qualify for. So whatever the next adventure calls for, make sure you are prepared with expertvoice.com/parks and gear up for adventure.

You can follow Who Runs This Park on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, can email us at [email protected] or check us out online at whorunsthispark.com. 
Sign up for the Who Runs This Park’s newsletter at linktr.ee/whorunsthispark. 
Who Runs This Park, presented by ExpertVoice, is hosted and produced by Maddie Pellman, with music by Danielle Bees.