Mary Cockett manages and curates our three Haleakalā National Park visitor center stores, so if you have stopped in to any of them in the Summit or Kīpahulu districts, you have "met" her, in a way. Purchases in our park stores support national park programs and projects. We are fortunate to have had Mary using her talent and skills for HPPA for twenty years this month, July, so we thought we would ask her some questions about her time with us!
Mahalo nui loa, Mary, and thank you for all of the hard work and dedication of the last two decades!
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What originally drew you to (then-named Hawaiʻi Natural History Association, or HNHA) 20 years ago?
My first trip into the Haleakalā National Park wilderness! My husband Hiapo and I had just moved to Maui, and we quickly made a trip up to the park. We were ecstatic to score a reservation for Hōlua Cabin for the following night. Our property container had not yet arrived at our rental, so we scurried into town to get hiking supplies. That amazing hike into the wilderness was my very first hike ever, anywhere, though Hiapo was an experienced backpacker. Experiencing the vibrant views, the serene silence and solitude, and the crater lit under a full moon were enough to make me determined to find a way to make my work one of helping the park. Given my retail background, I monitored job listings until I saw a position open up two years later.
Do you remember your first day?
Definitely. My trainer was a very classic Type A personality! I greatly enjoyed meeting all of the National Park Service employees, and they made me feel very welcome.
What has kept you motivated to stay with us, HPPA, for two decades?
I think when you are called to serve, the rest comes naturally; I’m still looking for ways to be of service.
How has your role changed over the years?
Initially it was just the day-to-day running of the three visitor center park stores, taking it all in and looking for ways I could most make an impact. From there, I have focused on improving operations, streamlining procedures, and developing new products. Eventually it was decided that my buying experience should be put to use in writing purchase orders. Managing our frontline and helping them on their interpretive path was a special joy. Today, in my role, there is more focus on helping the staff run excellent national park stores.
Can you share a proud moment or achievement that stands out?
: ) How many would you like? A major win for the organization was when I was able to get the very first apparel approved for sale. Apparel was anticipated to bring in at least another 20% in revenue to our park stores. This helped fuel massive change in all other HPPA park store areas, because once Haleakalā National Park approved these apparel sales, our other park sites and stores were able to do so as well. This additional park store revenue helped to fund the future growth of the organization by providing the financial resources to: develop a Creative Services department, rebrand from HNHA to HPPA, and build brands for all of our national park partners. Rebranding in itself was a huge boost to revenue. Higher revenue means we can donate more to our national park partners.
How have you seen the organization grow or evolve during your time?
A conversation with former Executive Director Margot Griffith over 15 years ago first highlighted the significance of brand identity—and revealed just how much room we had for improvement. This became the focus of our next Strategic Planning session, which resulted in hiring our Creative Director, and a complete rebranding of the organization to Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
What changes in the park visitor community have you observed in the last 20 years?
Visitors are much more self-sufficient and self-directed. They are greatly appreciative of our expanded park store product lines.
Where do you think you have made the most impact?
Helping the organization to grow, expanding our impact and operations.
What’s one challenge the organization has overcome that you’ll never forget?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano. This resulted in the immediate closure of our two park stores located at the volcano summit, and the eventual total loss, due to structural damage, of what was then our primary visitor center store inside the Jaggar Museum. The building has since been demolished. It was beautiful to see how the team pulled together to get through it, and I rejoiced in their success upon the park reopening. The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park HPPA team is truly inspirational!
Who are some people who influenced you or helped shape your journey?
Without question, National Park Service Chief of Interpretation Dominic Cardea (retired) and Interpretation Supervisor Jeff Bagshaw (now with the State of Hawaiʻi). Over the years there have been stressful moments here and there, but the knowledge that these two wonderful NPS employees ingrained in me kept me grounded and focused to move forward.
What do you value most about the HPPA team or organizational culture?
We have a beautiful wheel of support that turns in both directions. I’m deeply grateful for a frontline team that is not only competent but also dependable—people I can trust to handle a wide range of tasks, which gives me the space to focus on other parts of the operation. At the same time, I’m always looking for ways to make their daily work smoother and more rewarding. The same spirit of mutual support is alive on the administration side, too. I know I can count on their help when needed, and I appreciate how open they are to the solutions I bring to the table. It's a true partnership, grounded in trust and shared purpose.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing 20 years ago, what would it be?
“Conflict happens. Your patience will be a gift.”
What have you learned about service, leadership, or perseverance?
Well, I’ve always said that I love a challenge! I have had ample opportunity to explore that concept, proving that where there is a will, there is a way.
What do you hope to see HPPA accomplish in the next 5 or 10 years?
I would like to see more internal procedural streamlining, while acknowledging the great strides and growth that we have made in this area over the past couple of years.
Are there any personal or professional goals you still hope to achieve?
I’m very excited for the changes that are planned for the two Haleakalā National Park Summit District stores next year, and I have a very personal and specific goal related to that. Stay tuned for more details!
Is there a funny or surprising story you can share?
I think the funniest moment was when I was driving back from our visitor center park store in the Kīpahulu District of the park, and the vehicle was chased by two calves. I was bursting out in laughter while my companion contentedly slept.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in your kind of job?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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You can shop to support Haleakalā National Park here and here.
You can read up on HNHA/HPPA history here.
You can learn all sorts of wonderful things about Haleakalā National Park here.
