Western Region
HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to Haleakalā National Park, a spectacular landscape of volcanic terrain, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. From tropical rainforest and cascading waterfalls to a vast high-altitude volcanic summit above the clouds, the park offers one of the most dramatic elevation ranges in the entire National Park System.
The park consists of two very different areas: the Summit District, dominated by the massive Haleakalā volcano, and the Kīpahulu District along the island’s eastern coastline, where lush rainforest, waterfalls, and coastal scenery await visitors.
Did You Know?
- Haleakalā translates roughly to “House of the Sun.” According to Hawaiian legend, the demigod Māui lassoed the sun from the summit to slow its journey across the sky and lengthen the day.
- The endangered Hawaiian goose (nēnē) was once extinct on Maui but was successfully reintroduced to the island in the 1950s.
- Haleakalā National Park protects more endangered species than any other national park in the United States.
My Personal Experience
Yay! I finally made it to Hawaii. My first visit to the islands was in 2006 and I have been returning ever since. It’s simply one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Aloha way of life is hard to describe you really have to experience it.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui and stretches from the coastline up to the summit of Puʻuʻulaʻula at 10,023 feet above sea level, the highest point on the island. Haleakalā is considered a dormant volcano, and on each visit I hiked at least a short distance into what is commonly called the crater. In reality, it is not a volcanic crater but rather a large erosional valley.
There are backcountry cabins inside the crater, but I never stayed overnight. I simply added another hike to my logbook and returned to the car afterward. Of course, I visited the summit every time. You can drive all the way to the top and spend some time at the visitor center. It’s even more fun if you rent a convertible and drive up with the top down.
Many visitors come for the famous sunrise at the summit, but I’m not much of an early bird. I’ve seen several sunsets from the summit, but never a sunrise. Interestingly, despite several visits, I never made it to the rainforest and coastal section of the Kīpahulu District.
Visiting both areas in a single day is difficult due to the distance between them, and each time I told myself I would explore the coastal area the next day.
While visiting the summit area, keep an eye out for nēnē, the Hawaiian state bird. If you are more interested in plants, look for the silversword, a rare plant that grows only at high elevations on Haleakalā. Admire it but please don’t touch.
Basic Facts
Address:
Haleakalā National Park
PO Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
Visitors:
Over 1 million per year (2022)
Entrance Fees:
- Private Vehicle: $30.00 (admits one private, non-commercial vehicle and all its occupants for three days)
- Per Person: $15.00 (when entering on foot or bicycle, valid for three days)
Website:
nps.gov/hale
Map:
nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit gohawaii.com.
Best Time to Visit
The shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) typically offer the best combination of clear weather, lower humidity, and fewer visitors.
Recommended Time
1 Day: Visit the Summit District for sunrise or sunset and hike a portion of one of the crater trails.
2-3 Days: Explore both the Summit District and the Kīpahulu District, including the rainforest waterfalls and coastal scenery.
Getting There
The closest major airport is Kahului Airport on Maui.
From Kahului, take HI-37, then HI-377, and finally HI-378, which leads directly to the park’s summit entrance.
Weather
Weather conditions vary dramatically with elevation.
- Spring (March to May): 40s–60s°F (4–15°C) at the summit. Mild with occasional rain.
- Summer (June to August): 50s–70s°F (10–21°C) at high elevations. Warm and generally dry.
- Fall (September to November): 40s–60s°F (4–15°C). Often clear with excellent visibility.
- Winter (December to February):40s–60s°F (4–15°C). Cool, windy, and sometimes wet. Frost is possible at higher elevations.
Temperatures at the summit can feel much colder due to wind exposure and altitude, so warm clothing is recommended.
Hiking
Haleakalā National Park offers trails ranging from short forest walks to dramatic high-altitude volcanic hikes.
Easy:
- Hosmer Grove Trail – 0.5-mile loop: A short walk through a unique high-elevation forest planted in the early 1900s, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Kīpahulu Point Trail – 0.5-mile loop: A short coastal trail near the Kīpahulu Visitor Center with ocean views and interpretive signs about Hawaiian plants.
Moderate:
- Sliding Sands Trail – 4 miles round trip: A stunning descent into the massive volcanic valley of Haleakalā, offering surreal landscapes and colorful cinder cones.
- Pīpīwai Trail – 4 miles round trip: One of the most popular hikes in the park, passing through a bamboo forest and ending at the spectacular Waimoku Falls.
Strenuous:
- Halemauʻu Trail – 11 miles round trip: A challenging hike descending into the crater with dramatic views of volcanic ridges and colorful landscapes.
- Kaupo Trail – Backcountry route: A remote trail descending the southern flank of Haleakalā toward the coast, offering rugged terrain and expansive views.
Scenic Drives
Haleakalā Highway: This 37-mile road climbs from sea level to over 10,000 feet, making it one of the most dramatic elevation gains accessible by car in the United States. Plan at least 1.5 hours to reach the summit.
Best Viewpoints
- Haleakalā Summit: Famous for spectacular sunrises and sunsets above the clouds and panoramic views across Maui.
- Leleiwi Overlook: A dramatic overlook into Haleakalā’s colorful volcanic valley and one of the best places to observe silversword plants.
- Kalahaku Overlook: Offers sweeping views into the crater and often provides excellent opportunities to spot nēnē near the roadside.
- Pā Kaʻoao (White Hill): A short walk above the summit visitor center that rewards visitors with one of the finest panoramic views in the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Haleakalā protects one of the most unique collections of plants and animals in the United States. Visitors commonly encounter nēnē, the endangered Hawaiian goose and official state bird of Hawaii, particularly in the Summit District. The park is also home to rare native birds including the Hawaiian petrel and several forest bird species found only in the Hawaiian Islands.
Equally remarkable is the plant life. The Haleakalā silversword, one of Hawaii’s most iconic and rare plants, grows only at high elevations on the volcano’s slopes. Wildlife viewing opportunities are best during the cooler morning and evening hours.
Photography
Haleakalā offers some of the most diverse photography opportunities in the National Park System.
- Summit Sunrises & Sunsets: The park’s most famous photographic subjects, often featuring cloud layers far below the summit.
- Volcanic Landscapes: Colorful cinder cones, lava formations, and vast open vistas create scenes that resemble another planet.
- Silverswords: These rare plants provide uniquely Hawaiian foreground subjects against the volcanic terrain.
- Bamboo Forest & Waimoku Falls: The Kīpahulu District offers a completely different photographic experience, featuring lush rainforest, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is not permitted inside Haleakalā National Park. However, several outfitters on Maui offer guided horseback tours in surrounding areas.
General Aviation
Most visitors arrive in Hawaii via commercial flights, but Maui is also accessible to general aviation pilots.
The closest airport is:
Kahului Airport (PHOG) in Kahului, HI:
- Longest runway: 6,998 ft
- 100LL available
- Rental cars available
- Approximately one hour from the Summit District
Several flight schools on Maui offer scenic flights and island-flying training, which can be an excellent way to experience Hawaii from the air.
Flying in Hawaii requires careful attention to rapidly changing weather, trade winds, mountainous terrain, and localized turbulence. Cloud layers frequently form along the slopes of Haleakalā, and conditions can vary significantly between coastal areas and the summit. Pilots should carefully review weather briefings and terrain considerations before flight operations around Maui.
Nearby Attractions
- Road to Hāna: One of Hawaii’s most famous scenic drives, featuring waterfalls, rainforest, coastal views, and access to the Kīpahulu District.
- Makawao: A historic upcountry town known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, art galleries, and local restaurants.
- Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm: Offers beautiful gardens and sweeping views across Maui’s central valley and coastline.
- ʻĪao Valley State Monument: A lush tropical valley featuring dramatic green peaks and important Hawaiian cultural history.
Important Tips
- Summit Reservations: Sunrise viewing requires advance reservations and remains one of the most popular activities on Maui.
- Altitude: The summit exceeds 10,000 feet. Some visitors may experience shortness of breath or mild altitude-related symptoms.
- Temperature Changes: It may be 80°F at the beach and below 40°F at the summit. Dress in layers and prepare for strong winds.
- Protect Native Species: Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing fragile silversword plants and nesting bird habitat.
- Driving Time: Visiting both the Summit District and the Kīpahulu District in a single day is possible but requires substantial driving. Most visitors enjoy a better experience by focusing on one district at a time..
Haleakalā National Park offers one of the most unique landscapes in the National Park System from tropical rainforest and waterfalls to a massive volcanic summit above the clouds. Whether you are watching a sunrise from the summit, hiking into the volcanic valley, or spotting endangered nēnē along the trails, a visit to Haleakalā is an unforgettable experience on the island of Maui.
