Niles Deneen
Favorite part of working at Deneen Pottery? Everything! Working alongside and inspiring our awesome staff and assisting our incredible customers. Getting to be around such a creative process and talented artists - the variety of 'opportunities' that fill my day keep me on my toes. Witnessing the transformation from proof to product.
Photo from @hawaiipacificparks on ig
In 2019, we shared a blog post about our exciting partnership with Haleakala National Park and the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. That collaboration, spearheaded by Kim Olsen, Creative Services Director at Haleakala, remains one of the most rewarding relationships we’ve built at Deneen Pottery. Looking back at that original post, it’s clear how important this connection has been—not just for creating beautiful custom mugs but for strengthening our bond with the National Parks, which holds a special place in the heart of our company.
How It All Started
Our partnership with Haleakala began when Kim Olsen discovered Deneen Pottery at a public lands conference. She was drawn to our commitment to handcrafted quality, sustainability, and supporting public lands. Kim saw an opportunity to pair our work with Haleakala’s rich natural and cultural heritage, leading to the creation of a custom mug featuring the park’s most iconic symbols—the Silversword plant and the Nene goose.
The Creative Process
Designing the Haleakala mug was more than just about aesthetics—it was about telling a story. The Silversword plant, found only on the slopes of Haleakala, symbolizes the park’s fragile and rare ecosystem. The Nene goose, Hawaii’s state bird, reflects the park’s successful conservation efforts.
Kim’s input throughout the process ensured that the final product was true to the park’s identity. Her expertise and creative eye helped us strike a balance between artistry and authenticity. The result was a mug that not only looks stunning but also carries the essence of Haleakala.
The Impact on Visitors
One of the most rewarding aspects of this partnership has been seeing how visitors respond to the Haleakala mug. Kim has shared stories of park guests expressing excitement when they discover the mug in the gift shop. For many visitors, the mug becomes a tangible reminder of their experience at Haleakala—a connection to the park’s beauty that they can take home with them.
The mug has also become a symbol of the park’s conservation mission. Every sale supports the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association and their efforts to protect Haleakala’s unique ecosystem. It’s gratifying to know that our work contributes to preserving the park for future generations.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue working with Kim and Haleakala National Park. Our commitment to supporting national parks remains stronger than ever. We’re already exploring new designs and creative ways to honor the park’s rich cultural and natural history.
Photo from @hawaiipacificparks on ig
Kim’s passion and expertise have made this partnership one of the most meaningful in Deneen Pottery’s history. Her dedication to Haleakala’s preservation inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of our craft. We’re proud to play a small part in the park’s story—and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us next.
Why National Parks Matter to Deneen Pottery
At Deneen Pottery, we’ve always held a deep respect for America’s national parks. These protected spaces represent the country’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Our National Park Series mugs are a tribute to these treasured places and the people who work tirelessly to preserve them.
Creating a mug that reflects the park’s uniqueness reminded us why we do what we do. National parks are more than destinations—they are symbols of preservation and stewardship. Every mug we create for a national park tells a piece of that story.
A Growing Partnership
Beyond Haleakala, our work with national parks has expanded to include dozens of other protected areas across the country. Each park presents a unique creative challenge and an opportunity to celebrate America’s natural heritage. From Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, our National Park Series continues to grow. Check out our National Park Mug Guide Here!
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on our journey with Haleakala National Park, it’s clear that this partnership represents more than just a business relationship—it’s a shared commitment to art, conservation, and storytelling. The Haleakala mug stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of preserving America’s national treasures.
Kim, thank you for your vision and dedication. To the visitors who have taken a piece of Haleakala home with them, thank you for supporting this mission. And to the national parks across the country—thank you for inspiring us every day.
For more on our Haleakala mug and other National Park Series designs, visit Deneen Pottery.
Niles Deneen
Favorite part of working at Deneen Pottery? Everything! Working alongside and inspiring our awesome staff and assisting our incredible customers. Getting to be around such a creative process and talented artists - the variety of 'opportunities' that fill my day keep me on my toes. Witnessing the transformation from proof to product.
