Explore Haleakala National Park: Maui's Volcano and Coastal Wonders

Discover the diverse landscapes of Haleakala National Park, from volcanic summits to coastal waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Maui, Hawaii.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$30 for a 3-day vehicle pass, additional fees for sunrise reservations.
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Haleakala National Park, located on the island of Maui, offers a unique adventure through a variety of landscapes. Start your journey in the Summit District, where you can watch a breathtaking sunrise from atop the dormant volcano and hike through the expansive crater carved by water erosion. The terrain here features colorful cinder cones, lava flows, and the rare silversword plant, making it a geological marvel.
Next, head to the Kipahulu District, a lush coastal area with bamboo forests and cascading waterfalls. Explore the Pipiwai Trail, where you'll pass through thick bamboo groves and encounter the stunning Waimoku Falls. You can also visit the 'Ohe'o Gulch, a series of pools and waterfalls that flow into the Pacific Ocean.
For a complete experience, plan to stay for sunset and stargazing in the Summit District, where you can witness one of the best views of the Milky Way. The high altitude and minimal light pollution make it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

What's included

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

Start your visit at the Summit District for a sunrise view.
Visit the Haleakala Visitor Center to learn about the park's history and unique features.
Explore the hiking trails in the Summit District, including Sliding Sands and Halemau'u Trail.
Travel to the Kipahulu District to hike the Pipiwai Trail and visit 'Ohe'o Gulch.
Return to the Summit District for sunset and stargazing.
Camp or stay overnight in nearby accommodations for a more extended experience.

Location

Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawaii

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Packing List

Warm clothing and jackets (temperatures drop at high altitudes)
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for day trips
Camera or smartphone for photos

4.9 ● Google reviews

Such an incredible park. We did an 11 mile hike that was simply out of this world. Feels like you go from the top of earth into Mars then into the Moon. What a mind blowing experience.

Oh my goodness, Haleakala National Park was our favorite excursion during our trip to Maui. I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your itinerary. My husband and I decided to do the sunrise on the summit on a Monday morning. We had to log on right at 7 am HST 48 hours ahead of time to book a reservation. (*Note: be sure to use Chrome as your internet browser as we had issues with Safari.) The park opens at 3 am and I recommend arriving between 3:30 am and 4 am HST. It was definitely an early morning, but SO incredibly worth it. Stop at the visitor center to use the restroom first and then drive all of the way up. There were still plenty of parking spots around 4 am. We star gazed for about 1.5 hours and probably saw around 20 shooting stars. Words cannot describe how beautiful the sky was before the sun came up. We picked a spot outside the indoor observatory facing due east and sat on the stone wall. It was very cold - be sure to bring warm clothes and gloves, but layer because it does warm up once the sun comes out. We wore our hiking boots because we planned to hike the trails after the sun came up. As the sun rose, a park ranger came out and sung a native song. It was beautiful and something we will never forget. We hiked a few short trails and then went about 4 miles into the Sliding Sands trail. Such a great day!

Nice easy drive up and down the mountain. I would go later morning to early afternoon and avoid the rush of tour companies and cars. It seems that everything clears up by then and makes roaming the stops and trails far more enjoyable.

Probably my favorite place in the Hawaiian Islands. Otherworldly landscapes. The best sunrises and sunsets. Great hiking and photography opportunities; better than Mauna Kea. Dark skies and limited clouds for stargazing. The drive to the summit is well improved and can be done in any car. Nice facilities at the top. The different overlooks all offer unique views. As soon as the sun goes down it gets cold and windy even in summer. Recommend pants, warm jacket, hat, gloves, and blanket if up there at night.

Highly recommend! You will see 3 or 4 very different environments as you go up. It is 10023 feet at the summit. Absolutely, breath-taking views. You will go from farmland to lush green forests to the topography as pictured

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