Related Attractions
About
Haleakalā National Park is a United States national park located on the island of Maui in the state of Hawaiʻi. The park covers an area of 30,183 acres (122.15 km2), of which 24,719 acres (100.03 km2) is a wilderness area.
Summit
The summit area includes Haleakalā Crater, the summit of the volcano, and the area surrounding the summit. This part of the park is accessed by Hawaii state road 378.
The main feature of this part of the park is the famous Haleakalā Crater which covers 6.99 miles (11.25 km) across, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) width, and 2,600 ft (790 m) deep. The interior of the crater is dotted by numerous volcanic features, including large cinder cones. Two main trails lead into the crater from the summit area: the Halemau'u and Sliding Sands trails. Hikers in the crater can stay in one of three cabins (which need to be reserved through the park first).
Each morning, visitors come to the summit of the volcano to watch the spectacular sunrise. More visitors come each afternoon to watch the equally amazing sunset. One attraction of the park is Hosmer's Grove, a unique forest of alien trees including deodar (Cedrus deodara) from the Himalayas, sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) from Japan, eucalyptus from Australia, and several species from North America (pine, spruce, cypress, fir, and others).
Kipahulu
The second section of the park is the Kipahulu section. Visitors cannot drive directly to this section from the summit area; they must take a winding coastal road that travels around the windward coast of the island. This part of the park lies within the lower part of Kipahulu Valley. It is separated from the summit area of the park by the upper portion of the valley. This area is designated the Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve and is closed to the public to preserve the native plant and animal species in this fragile rainforest.
This section of the park features more than two dozen pools along Palikea Stream in the gulch called ʻOheʻo. These pools contain rare native freshwater fish. Visitors may choose to swim in these pools, or they may choose to hike a trail that takes visitors up to the base of Waimoku Falls.
Minimum Time Needed
Half Day
Hours
Haleakala National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Park Headquarters Visitor Center (7000 ft/2134 m) - 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Haleakala Visitor Center (9740 ft/2969 m) - 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee
Private Vehicle: $10. Valid for 3 days
Motorcycle: $5. Valid for 3 days
Per Person: $5. Valid for 3 days