Haleakalā National Park

The Basics

Haleakala National Park is divided into two sections with separate access points, Haleakala Crater and the Kipahulu district. Most visitors head for the main event: Haleakala’s rocky, barren summit and its expansive lunar-like crater stretching some seven miles (11 kilometers) across. Popular guided summit tours include Haleakala sunrise tours, promising stunning views of the sea and sky, and bike tours that zip you down the volcano’s steep slopes. Some tours even couple a Haleakala sunrise with a scenic drive along Maui’s winding Road to Hana. The park’s Kipahulu district is lush, coastal, and more isolated, offering hiking and swimmable waterfall pools.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Park entry is $10 for a 3-day single-person pass or $20 for a vehicle pass that includes entry for everyone in the car. Guided tours usually include park admission.

• Not all of Hawaii is warm. At Haleakala’s summit, plan for wind, rain, and temperatures between 30°F and 50°F (-1°C and 10°C).

• Due to the high elevation, you may experience altitude sickness. It’s best to slowly make your way up to allow for time to get acclimated. Return to lower elevation if you experience any telltale signs including nausea, headache, and shortness of breath.

• Haleakala has nearly 40 (64 kilometers) miles of hiking paths. If planning to hike, stay on designated trails to minimize effects on the area’s flora and fauna, many of which are endangered.

• The park’s main visitor center—with informational displays and helpful rangers—closes at 3:45pm daily.

• While park trails are unpaved and unsuitable for wheelchairs, the summit’s visitor centers and Hosmer Grove picnic area are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

To reach Haleakala National Park, you need to book a tour or arrive by car; there is no public transport into the park itself. Driving time from the resort areas of Kihei and Kaanapali is about two hours to the summit, or three to four hours to Kipahulu. Summit access is via Upcountry Maui, passing through the quaint town of Makawao along Routes 377 and 378.

When to Get There

Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. On clear mornings, many visitors take advantage of the peak’s lofty vantage point to watch the colorful sunrise, with tours departing as early as 2am to arrive in time. If you’re crowd adverse, try a sunset tour where, on clear nights, an equally spectacular explosion of color bleeds into top-notch stargazing. Tours meet on the mountain a few hours before sunset.

Spotting Haleakala’s Rare Silverswords

The volcano’s slopes are home to an extremely rare and Dr. Seuss–like plant: the Haleakala silversword. The bizarre, bushy, and silver-colored plants are found only here and can live for up to 90 years. Silverswords flower only once, sending up a spectacular flowering stalk—and dying shortly thereafter. You’ll find them at the Haleakala summit, the Kalahaku Overlook, and along Sliding Sands Trail, a several-mile round-trip hike.

Do you need a tour of Haleakala National Park?

Tours aren’t needed to visit Haleakala National Park. However, independent travelers must buy the recreational entrance pass, which can be booked in advance. For visitors hoping to catch the sunrise, reservations must be booked well in advance as car space at the summit viewing locations is limited.

Is a trip to Haleakala worth it?

Yes, a trip to Haleakala is worth it, especially on clear days when the views are best. The sunrise Haleakala trips are popular. You'll make a long, winding journey to reach the top, but many find that experiencing the sun rising beyond the crater is worth waking up for.

How long does it take to tour Haleakala National Park?

Unless you’re departing from Lahaina or somewhere in the far west, most Maui vacationers take around one to two hours to reach the park’s summit by car. You can visit the Haleakala Visitor Center, hike, take photos, or enjoy the views. Most tours last around four to six hours.

Can you visit Haleakala on your own?

Yes, tourists can visit Haleakala unguided. It’s possible to hike or cycle there, but most travelers visit in a rental car to make getting back and forth easy. Car-free travelers, especially those wanting to see the Haleakala sunrise, should book a tour for hassle-free logistics.

How much does it cost to go to Haleakala?

Standard entrance passes range from around US$15 to US$30, depending on the mode of transport. These entrance passes can be bought in advance, or on the day itself. Note that the park is moving towards cashless payments so bring a credit or debit card.

What is the best time of day to visit Haleakala?

Haleakala can get crowded at sunrise and sunset, but any other time is usually not that busy. If you plan on serious hiking, come early in the day to allow yourself time to explore and to miss the later-morning clouds or sun glare.

Ways to explore

Haleakalā National Park has two sections with separate access points: the volcano’s summit and the coastal Kipahulu district. Most visitors choose the summit for views of the lunar-like Haleakalā Crater. Note that you’ll need a reservation to enter the area for sunrise, or you can join a guided hike with pick-up and breakfast included. You'll pay a fee to enter the park. Adventurous travelers may prefer bike tours that zip down the volcano’s steep slopes, while some pair the park with Road to Hana (Hana Highway) tours. To hike past waterfalls, bamboo forests, and Pacific panoramas, visit the more isolated Kipahulu district.

Accessibility

Only some parts of the park are accessible, including the Hosmer Grove picnic area, the Headquarters Visitor Center, and the Haleakalā Visitor Center.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, food (none is for sale in the park), sun protection, rain gear

What to wear

Wear sturdy walking shoes and layers—temperatures drop dramatically as you gain elevation on Haleakalā, and the weather can go from sunny to rainy.

Not allowed

Pets (except in parking lots and on paved roads), feeding wildlife, veering off marked trails

Amenities

Visitor centers, restrooms, drinking fountains

Address

Driving is the best way to reach the Haleakalā National Park summit, located in East Maui, within three hours of Kahului and Wailea. If you don’t have a car, take a guided excursion with transportation.

Driving

From Kahului, drive 27.5 miles (44 kilometers) southeast along routes 37, 377, and 378. Park in the lot at the summit, and fill up your tank before arriving since there are no gas stations in the park.

Public transportation

There’s no way to get to Haleakalā National Park with public transportation, so plan to either rent a car or join a guided tour with transfers included.

Best times to visit

Sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times in the park, but they’re also the busiest. Whenever you visit, allow yourself plenty of time to park and reach the summit.

Best days to visit

Save money by visiting on the National Park Service’s free entrance days, and be prepared for crowds no matter when you come. The NPS website provides up-to-date info on park conditions.

Best months to visit

April–October is Maui’s dry season, when you’re least likely to get rained out at Haleakalā National Park. However, you can expect to feel warm at sea level and cold at the summit year-round.