Haleakala National Park Tour Contract

The National Park Service has selected Polynesian Adventure Tours to receive a 10-year concession contract to operate guided vehicle tours at Haleakalā National Park, effective January 1, 2018. Polynesian Adventure Tours is the largest of the four companies awarded contracts and has been operating tours at Haleakalā National Park since 1987. In 2013 the National Park Service announced the upcoming transition from 18 Commercial Use Authorized permittees to up to 4 concession contractors as a means of improving visitor experiences and protecting the park’s cultural and natural resources. The Service released a prospectus outlining opportunities for companies interested in operating Haleakalā vehicle-tours. Selection factors included education of guests on the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources, operational safety, relevant experience, and financial capability. The scoring of the Polynesian Adventure Tours proposal placed it among the four highest of all the proposals submitted by entities seeking concession contracts. Sandra Weir, President of Polynesian Adventure Tours, said, “We’re elated and honored to have been selected. We also feel humbled with being entrusted as one of the few operators to share the wonders of Haleakalā National Park on our guided tours. The contract is clearly an expression of confidence in our company and we’ll work to ensure we meet all expectations of the Service and the public.” Haleakalā National Park Superintendent Natalie Gates quoted in the Haleakalā National Park News Release of April 18, said, “We believe the selected concessioners will do an excellent job providing memorable visitor experiences while protecting park resources. We look forward to working with them.” An evaluation panel of National Park Service staff recommended the companies to the Pacific West Regional Director of the National Park Service who made the selection. Haleakalā National Park employees were not involved in the selection. About Polynesian Adventure Tours – Gray Line Hawai’i Polynesian Adventure Tours is the sole licensee of Gray Line Tours and provides quality sightseeing tours and ground transportation for the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawai’i. The company was founded 40 years ago and continues to grow as it explores new ways of bringing the excitement and beauty of Hawai’i to its guests. Along with its daily island sightseeing tours, the company operates single-day tours between islands, including Oahu-originating tours to Haleakalā National Park and Hana, Maui. For more information visit www.polyad.com.