The Haleakala National Park, located on the island of Maui, is home to a giant shield volcano. The Haleakalā volcano is 10,023 ft (3055 m) high. It is, in fact, the highest peak on Maui and the third highest in the state. The word Haleakala means the “house of the sun” in the Hawaiian language. A local legend states that a demigod Maui trapped the sun in the basin of the mountain, to make the day last longer. Presently, the park serves as a popular tourist destination. The highest summits of the park can be accessed by hiking or horseback riding. The park profuse with tropical areas rich in waterfalls and streams. The Haleakala Visitor Center is the best place to watch the sunrise. Equally incomparable is the night sky, as visible from the summit. On your tour, you may encounter Nene (Hawaiian goose).
The park has been divided into three regions
Summit Area: The landscape of the park is richly colored and visually expansive. You may do hiking, sky watching, camping, or take part in the guided activities in this area.
Wilderness Area: This is a striking landscape sprawling across about 24,719 acres. For lodging, the park offers two hinterland campgrounds, two nearby campgrounds, and three boondocks cabins along the trail. The panoramic landscape shows different hues ranging from brown to red cinder to green. The silence of the night is broken by the occasional cry of the seabirds. The star-studded sky steals your heart away. The area can be reached via two trailheads: Halemauʻu Trailhead (located at 8,000 feet), and Keoneheʻeheʻe (or Sliding Sands) located close to the summit at 9,740 feet.
Kīpahulu Area: It offers splendid ocean vistas, waterfalls, and Hawaiian cultural experience. Drive 12 miles on the Hana highway to reach the Kīpahulu Area.
Do not forget to bring a hat, a pair of sunglasses, and sunblock lotion for protection from the sun. Wear hiking shoes for a comfortable tour. Also, bring along pants, jacket, rain gear, and a poncho, for protection against unexpected cold/ wet weather. As there is no provision of food in the park, you must carry your food and water bottles. If you wish to spend a night at the park do bring mosquito repellent.
Safety Tips
- As the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts are distant, it may take over 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach there. Those who are suffering with respiratory problems or any other medical condition should consult the doctors before climbing the summit.
- The endangered birds may land on the roads, thus, it is recommended to drive within the prescribed speed limits and carefully.
If you do not want to miss out any thing in Hawaii, then also read Top Things To Do in Hawaii
Haleakala National Park Map
Facts about Haleakala National Park
- The Haleakala National Park was opened to the public on April on August 1, 1916.
- The park covers over 30,000 acres of area.
- The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is sited at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level.
- The Haleakala Visitor Center is located at 9,740 feet.
Where is Haleakala National Park?
The Haleakala Park is located in upcountry Maui to the southeastern coast, Hawaii. The entrance point to the Summit Area of the park can be reached within an hour from Kahului. From the entry point, it takes about a half an hour to reach the summit. The Kīpahulu (coastal) area of the park can be reached by a three-hour drive from Kahului. The Hana Airport is the closest airport and is located at a distance of about 14.1 miles from Hana Hwy and HI-330.
Address: Kula, HI, United States
Phone: +1 808-572-4400
Best time to visit Haleakala National Park
The best time to visit the National Park is during the afternoon, when the crater is cloudless and there is enough sunlight for clicking good snapshots.
Haleakala National Park Hours
The Haleakala National Park opens round the clock, throughout the year.
Haleakala National Park Tickets
You need to buy a recreational use pass (valid up to 3 days of purchase) to enter the park.
- The entry pass for a private vehicle costs $20
- The admission pass for a motorcycle costs $15.
- The per person entry fee is $10.
- Annual and lifetime passes are also available.
More on Haleakala National Park
What are the coordinates of the Haleakala National Park?
20.7167° N, 156.1667° W
Which are the attractions located near the park?
Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Polynesian Cultural Center, and Waimea Canyon State Park.
Related : Hawaii Location | Hawaii National Parks Map
Image Credit : Esther Lee