Degradation of resource and experiential quality from recreational use at the Pools of ‘Ohe'o in Haleakalā National Park has led officials to discourage visitor use of the area. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines relationships among visitors’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control regarding exploration of the pools, their intentions to explore and their actual behaviors at pools. Further, the study examines the influence of persuasive messages on visitors’ behavior at the pools. TPB is found to be an effective model for understanding visitor behavior at ‘Ohe'o's Pools, revealing a desire among visitors to act in accordance with National Park Service wishes. Results indicate that attitudes and subjective norms are influenced by exposure to the persuasive messages. Additionally, messages emphasizing the resource impacts of exploring the pools are found to more effective at influencing visitor attitudes than messages emphasizing the dangers of exploring the pools.
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