Haleakala Highway (Crater Road)

Haleakala Highway and Crater Road climb from Upcountry Maui to the summit area of Haleakala National Park, with switchbacks, cloud layers, volcanic slopes, silversword plants and wide island views.

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Haleakala Highway (Crater Road)

Haleakala Highway (Crater Road), Maui

Haleakala Highway, also known as Crater Road, is the two-lane road that leads to the summit of Haleakala. The road is well-maintained and well-traveled, but it's still a good idea to drive carefully and obey the speed limit signs. There are many switchbacks, blind turns and steep dropoffs without guardrails. Also, sometimes animals including cows and nene geese cross the highway.

At mile marker 10 there is a booth where all vehicles are required to pay $30 entry fee to Haleakala National Park. The visitor center is coming up next on your right. It is located at 7,000 feet (2.134 m). The temperature up here will already be quite a bit colder than at sea level. In the winter months, the temperature here ranges between 41-59 °F (5-15°C). In summer it is between 47-66 °F (8-19°C). Six miles further up between mile markers 17 and 18 you'll reach the Leleiwi Lookout. From here you can also enjoy nice views of the crater.

Located after mile marker 20 is the upper visitor center. There is a large parking lot here as well as restrooms. The temperature up here is about 40°F (4°C) in the winter and 46°F (8°C) in the summer. Past the upper visitor center, the road continues to the summit at 10,023 feet (3.055 m).

Along the way, keep an eye out for the silversword plant (you'll probably already get the see this unique plant at the lower visitor center). It is endemic to Hawaii. This amazing plant can live up to 50 years but only blooms at the end of its life.

Key Features

Climbs from Upcountry Maui toward Haleakala's 10,023-foot summit area
Paved mountain road with switchbacks, blind curves and major elevation gain
Summit District scenery shifts from pastureland and forest edges to volcanic slopes
Leleiwi and Kalahaku overlooks offer high-elevation views when weather is clear
Haleakala silversword plants grow in the park's rare alpine environment
Nene geese may be seen near roads, parking areas and open slopes
Sunrise access from 3:00 am to 7:00 am requires an advance vehicle reservation
Weather can change quickly, with cold wind, clouds, rain or bright sun in the same visit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Crater Road?

The upper section is commonly called Crater Road because it climbs toward Haleakala's summit area and the large volcanic depression often described as the crater.

What makes the drive feel so different from the rest of Maui?

The route rises from pastureland and eucalyptus areas into high volcanic terrain, where temperatures drop, clouds move quickly and the landscape becomes more open and spare.

What is special about the Haleakala silversword?

The Haleakala silversword is a rare plant found in the high-elevation environment of Haleakala. It can live for many years before sending up a tall flowering stalk near the end of its life.

Why do nene sometimes appear near the road?

Nene geese live in the park's high-elevation habitat and may move near roads, parking areas and open slopes, so drivers should slow down and give them plenty of space.

How is this drive different from the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana follows rainforest, waterfalls and the coast, while Haleakala Highway climbs inland toward volcanic summit scenery, cooler air and long views across Maui.