The Haleakala National Park is one of Maui’s main visitor
attractions. Located on the south side of Maui, the park’s main
feature is the famous Haleakala Crater. Mt. Haleakala is the largest
dormant volcano in the world. It last erupted around 1790. The
crater itself is huge, measuring 7 miles (11.25 km) across, 2 miles
(3.2 km) in width and 2,600 feet (800 m) in depth. Visitors often
say that they feel like in another world here, in these moon-like
surroundings. There are large cinder cones inside of the crater.
Hikers can take one of two trails that lead from the summit down
into the crater – the Halemauu trail and the Sliding Sands trail.
There are three cabins in the crater where one can stay at, but they
have to be reserved in advance. You can also bring your own tent and
camp here with a permit.
The drive up to the summit is very scenic and there are numerous
overlooks. There are five distinct climate zones you’ll pass through
while on this adventure. The road to the summit holds the world
record for climbing the highest elevation in the shortest distance,
which is about 38 miles.
At the summit, which is 10,023 feet (3,055 m) above sea level, you
can see as far away as the Big Island if you come on a clear day.
But make sure you dress warm because up here it can get up to about
30 degrees colder than in the rest of the island. Each morning many
visitors come here to watch the spectacular sunrise. There are tours
that do hotel pick-ups very early in the morning to take you here.
Or you can drive yourself. Others come here to watch the equally
amazing sunset.
Many astronomers also come to Haleakala’s summit because it offers
unusually clear views of the night sky. In fact, Haleakala is one of
the best places in the U.S. for amateur astronomy. You can rent
telescopes and binoculars at many local merchants.
When exploring Haleakala National Park, you also have the rare
opportunity to see the Silversword plant. It’s a threatened species
of plant that only grows above 6,000 feet and can live for about 50
years. It only blooms once in its lifetime, right before it dies.
Haleakala is a Hawaiian word, meaning “house of the sun.” According
to a Hawaiian legend, the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from here to
slow it down and lengthen the day.
Before you drive up to Haleakala, make sure you have enough gas and
take some food because there aren’t any gas stations or convenience
stores in this area. For pregnant women or people with respiratory
problems this journey is not recommended due to the effects from the
high elevation. Check with your doctor before you go.
Haleakala National Park in Bullet Points
Home to Mt. Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano on Earth
Scenic views of moon-line scenery
Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the summit
Rare Silversword plant can be seen here
Rent a cabin in the crater or bring your own tent for a
unique camping experience
Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for
severe weather closures.
Park Headquarters Visitor Center (7,000 ft/2,134 m): 8:00 am to 4:00
pm
Haleakala Visitor Center (9,740 ft/2,969 m): 6:30 am to 3:30 pm
Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission
All park visitors have to purchase a recreational use pass upon
entering Haleakala National Park. It costs $5 per person and is
valid for 3 days. This ticket is for one person with no car and
includes admission to the summit and Kipahulu areas. It’s typically
used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Children 15 and under
are free.
A ticket to bring your private vehicle costs $10 and is valid for 3
days. It’s for non-commercial vehicles with a passenger capacity of
14 or less. It admits all occupants of the vehicle.
Haleakala National Park Driving Directions / Location
From Kahului, it’s about a 76-mile roundtrip, so allow 3 hours for
driving time alone. The 10,023-foot (3,055m) summit can be reached
from Kahului via Route 37. Then take Route 377 and then 378. Driving
time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours.
Address: Haleakala National Park, Makawao, HI 96768
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