HALEAKALA — Haleakala National Park will host a “Morning Coffee with the Ranger” program in honor of the PBS release of “America’s Best Idea” (a documentary about the National Park Service) and National Public Lands Day.

Rangers will serve coffee in commemorative mugs every day at the Summit Building from Monday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 27, at 6:15 a.m. On Sept. 26, entrance fees will be waived for all visitors to the park.

“Morning Coffee with the Ranger” is free to the public with your entrance permit to the park ($10 fee).

Visitors can talk story with Haleakala Park rangers over coffee about the history and culture of the park service, park programs and policies, the future of national parks and ways that the public can get involved in the management of their park.

“We are excited to just chat over a cup of coffee with the public,” said Doug Ridley, lead presenter for the program.

“This is a great opportunity to share stories and ideas and continue to build connections between people and Haleakala.”

Rangers will begin serving coffee after sunrise at 6:15 a.m. and begin the talk story sessions at 6:30 a.m.  On Sept. 26 and 27, there will be an additional program at Hosmer Grove with coffee at 9:45 a.m. and the program at 10 a.m. 

The park will provide coffee, mugs, sugar and creamer. Participants should bring warm clothing and stories and questions to share. Call 572-4400 for information.