Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park protects one of the most unique landscapes in the Hawaiian Islands. Located on the island of Maui, the park is famous for its massive volcanic crater, otherworldly lava landscapes, rare native species, and spectacular sunrise views from the summit. The park also includes the lush coastal region of Kīpahulu, where visitors can hike through bamboo forests to waterfalls along the famous Pipiwai Trail.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Hawaii
- Established: August 1, 1916 (as part of Hawaii National Park)
- Separate Park Designation: 1961
- Park Size: ~33,265 acres
- Highest Point: Haleakalā Summit (10,023 ft)
- Annual Visitors: ~850,000
- Volcano Type: Shield volcano
Best Time to Visit
Seasons are rather consistent.
Sunrise hours
One of the most famous experiences in Hawaii.
Morning hours
Clear crater views before clouds form.
Afternoon
Better conditions for exploring the Kīpahulu district.
Best Photography Locations
- Sunrise from Haleakalā Summit
- Crater landscape viewpoints
- Bamboo forest on Pipiwai Trail
- Waimoku Falls
Camping & Lodging Options
Hosmer Grove Campground
Located near the summit entrance.
Kīpahulu Campground
Oceanfront campground near the Pipiwai Trail.
Holua and Palikū Backcountry Cabins
Remote wilderness lodging within the crater.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The mountain holds deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. According to Hawaiian legend, the demigod Māui lassoed the sun from the summit of Haleakalā to slow its journey across the sky.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
- Private vehicle: Yes
- Motorcycle: Yes
- Individual: Yes
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Halemau‘u Trail crater entrance
- Hosmer Grove birdwatching area
- Leleiwi Overlook quiet views
- Palikū wilderness cabins
- Less crowded crater hiking routes
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Haleakalā National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Haleakalā National Park Maps – Download official park maps including crater trails.
• Haleakalā Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Haleakalā Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates, closures, and park alerts.
• Haleakalā Sunrise Reservation Information – Details about sunrise reservations.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe‘ehe‘e Trail)
11 miles round trip – Descends deep into the volcanic crater. - Halemau‘u Trail
7.4 miles round trip – Scenic trail with sweeping crater views. - Pipiwai Trail
4 miles round trip – Famous bamboo forest hike ending at Waimoku Falls. - Hosmer Grove Trail
Short nature trail through unique forest habitats. - Pa Ka‘oao Trail
0.5 mile trail to a summit overlook.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Haleakalā Summit
- Kalahaku Overlook
- Leleiwi Overlook
- Pipiwai Trail waterfall viewpoints
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Sunrise viewing at the summit
- Short summit trails
- Hosmer Grove nature walks
- Scenic drives to crater viewpoints
Nearby Getaway Towns
Kula – Gateway community near the summit entrance.
Hāna – Gateway town for the Kīpahulu district.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Haleakalā volcanic crater
- Waimoku Falls
- Seven Sacred Pools (ʻOheʻo Gulch)
- Bamboo forests of Kīpahulu
- Silversword plant habitats
Scenic Drives
Haleakalā Highway
A scenic mountain road climbing from sea level to over 10,000 feet, offering incredible views of Maui and the surrounding ocean.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Early Morning
- Sunrise at Haleakalā Summit
- Short hike along summit trails
Midday
- Explore crater overlooks
- Visit Hosmer Grove
Afternoon
- Drive the Road to Hāna
- Hike the Pipiwai Trail
Evening
- Visit ʻOheʻo Gulch pools
- Sunset along the coast
Popular Flora
Haleakalā contains many rare native plant species.
Common plants include:
- Silversword plants (unique to Haleakalā)
- Hawaiian ʻōhiʻa trees
- Native ferns
- Bamboo forests in Kīpahulu
- Alpine shrubs
Popular Fauna
Birds:
- Hawaiian goose (Nēnē)
- Hawaiian honeycreepers
- Hawaiian petrels
Other wildlife:
- Native insects
- Hawaiian hoary bats
Marine wildlife near Kīpahulu:
- Sea turtles
- Tropical fish
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Backpacking into the Haleakalā crater
- Multi-day wilderness camping
- Long crater hikes
- Remote exploration in Kīpahulu district
Park History
Haleakalā was originally part of Hawaii National Park along with Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The park became a separate national park in 1961 to protect its unique volcanic landscapes and rare native species.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Summit temperatures can be 30–40°F colder than sea level.
- Sunrise reservations are required to enter the summit area early.
- Bring warm clothing for summit visits.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Watch sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā
- Hike into the volcanic crater
- Walk through the bamboo forest on Pipiwai Trail
- See Waimoku Falls
- Spot rare Hawaiian wildlife
Fun Facts
- Haleakalā means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian.
- The volcano makes up about 75% of the island of Maui.
- The summit rises over 10,000 feet above sea level.
- The park contains species found nowhere else on Earth.
- Haleakalā sunrise is one of the most famous sunrise experiences in the world.
Additional Resources (2)
• Hawaii Tourism – Haleakalā Guide – Regional visitor information and travel tips.
• AllTrails – Haleakalā National Park Trails – Hiking maps, reviews, and GPS navigation.
• National Park Foundation – Haleakalā Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• Maui Information Guide – Haleakalā Travel Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• Haleakalā National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geology, and wildlife.