Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located on island of Maui in Hawaii. It is known for its volcanic terrain, sunrises and sunsets above the clouds, stargazing, hiking and waterfalls. The main portion Haleakalā has the volcano and Sliding Sands hike while the Kīpahulu area has the Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools and the Pipiwai Trail, which takes you through a bamboo forest to the Waimoku Falls.
getting to Haleakalā National Park
To fly to Maui, you will fly to Kahului Airport (OGG). You can rent a car to get around the island and drive yourself to the National Park. The drive from Haleakalā National Park to Wailea is 41 miles 1 hour 10 minutes, to Kahului is 28 miles and 53 minutes, and to Kaanapali is 54 miles1 hour 25 minutes. Otherwise there are sunrise and day tours you can join from major tourist towns. If you want to go to the Kīpahulu area it is past Hana so many people visit when doing the Road to Hana. This portion is about 10 miles from Hana which is a 32 minute drive.
getting around
The best way to visit this national park is in your own private vehicle. You can drive through most of the park on paved roads. If you are flying to the area, you should rent a car. You could also join a day tour if you prefer not to drive. Most tours focus on sunrise or sunset and there are also bike tours.
where to stay
Most people stay at accommodations near the beach and day trip to the park.
Within the park, you can stay at one of the campgrounds. There are two main campgrounds Hosmer Grove Campground in the summit district or in Kīpahulu Campground in the coastal district. You are allowed 3 nights maximum within a month. No pets allowed.
when to visit
Haleakalā National Park can be visited year round. Some of the best months to visit are April, May, October and November. Weather can vary day by day. We had rain and sunshine. We saw a beautiful rainbow. Dress in layers as it can be chilly especially before sunrise and after sunset.
fees
Haleakalā National Park charges a daily entrance fee. It is $15 per person, $25 per motorcycle and $30 per vehicle. It is all cashless so buy your ticket on recreation.gov. You must have a reservation to enter the park between 3AM and 7 AM which you can book up to 60 days in advance and costs $1. You will need this for sunrise.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year. You still need the reservation for sunrise even if you have this pass.
top things to do
Visit the visitor centers
Haleakalā National Park has several amazing visitor centers. There is the Headquarters Center near the entrance. It is open daily 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. There are 24/7 bathrooms outside the facility. Just 30 minutes down the road is the Haleakalā Visitor Center is on the edge of the impressive volcanic valley. It is open sunrise to 12 PM. There is an information booth and bookstore here. The Kīpahulu Visitor Center is located at the coastal Kīpahulu District. Information desk, exhibits on natural and cultural history, and a Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association bookstore inside.
Hiking
Haleakalā National Park has some great hikes including Sliding Sands and the Halemau’u Trail. Another amazing hike is the Pipiwai Trail which leads to the Waimoku Falls through bamboo forests which is located in the Kīpahulu District.
Sunrise
Going for sunrise is an unforgettable experience. First, you must book a reservation to enter the park between 3 AM and 7 AM. Dress warmly and get to see some incredible stars followed by the sun rising above the clouds!
Sunset
You don’t need a reservation to watch the sun setting into the clouds and it is so beautiful. The best place to watch is at the summit.
Stargazing
You can catch incredible night sky either before sunrise, after sunset or if you spend a night camping in the park.
camping
There are two main campgrounds Hosmer Grove Campground in the summit district or in Kīpahulu Campground in the coastal district. You are allowed 3 nights maximum within a month. No pets allowed.
