Haleakala National Park

PO Box 369, Hwy 378 (milemarker 11), Makawao, HI 96768
Phone: 808-572-9306
Fax: 808-572-1304
Open All Year



Overview. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Maui's active, but not currently erupting, Haleakala volcano forms the eastern section of the island. Due to the elevation changes, Haleakala's ecosystems range from a subtropical climate at sea level, to lush rain forest covering the steep slopes, to the moonscape alpine desert of the "crater." The 19-square-mile bowl isn't actually a volcanic crater. After years of erosion, two valleys at the summit eventually merged, forming the 3,000-foot deep crater-like depression. Legend has named this summit "The House of the Sun," and visitors trek to the top for the splendid sunrises and sunsets.
On the eastern slope, rains and winds have carved a valley now home to a dense tropical rain forest. Kipahulu Valley, although part of the park, is closed to visitors in order to preserve the habitat of several species unique to the Hawaiian Islands, including species of endangered birds and plants. Designated a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve, this park maintains a balance between its human visitors and natural residents.




What to see and do. The Kipahulu Valley divides this park into two separate outings. A visit to the summit can be extended from a day trip into a two or three day outing, while the Pools of 'Ohe'o at the base of Kipahulu Valley can be seen in a day. If you'd like to see the "crater," begin your drive up the winding, switchback filled road on the west side of the park. Your first turnoff would be Hosmer Grove. Stop in here to walk the short self-guided nature trail, which introduces you to some of the unique plants and birds along your drive. You'll also find a campground here and a picnic site beneath shady trees. Further along the drive at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center (700-ft. above sea level) you can look at silversword (a Hawaiian native plant) and perhaps see a nene (the wild Hawaiian goose). The vistor center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you plan on camping in the wilderness, pick up your first-come, first-served permits here. You'll also be able to check the daily program of talks and ranger-led hikes. As you ascend, be sure to note the change in vegetation. After catching the marvelous views from the Leleiwi and Kalahaku Overlooks, your last stop is the Haleakala Visitor Center (1023-ft above sea level). It opens at sunrise to accommodate early birds set on seeing the sun's first rays. Several exhibits acquaint you with the area's unique geology, and rangers can advise you on hiking plans. From the Haleakala Visitor Center, you'll notice streaks of red, yellow, gray and black in the cinder, which calls attention to the mountain's volcanic origins. You can't miss the 14 cinder cones rising up to 600 feet from the "crater" floor. At Holua and Paliku campgrounds, with a permit, you may pitch a tent outside. The two cabins, along with the Kapalaoa cabin, are reserved on a lottery system up to 3 months in advance.
After you've experienced the dry, barren slopes of the "crater," an afternoon in the lush Pools of 'Ohe'o will be quite a change. Burbling waters run down the mountainside, filling small pools between waterfalls. The highlight of your hike may be the spectacular Waimoku Falls. Water tumbles 400 feet, leaving clouds of mist behind among the trees. You reach the falls via a streamside trail leading up the hill and through a bamboo forest. Along the way, feel free to splash in the cool waters. Should streams be swollen, rangers advise against swimming due to strong, unpredictable currents. Keep an eye out for the taro patches, which still grow, though long since out of use. You may also notice the remains of stone-walled gardens and temple sites. These are all reminders of the island's first inhabitants and their lives before the arrival of merchants and whalers. Along the ocean you'll find a small campground. There is no drinking water here, so pack your own. Because the two sections of the park aren't connected, you'll have to drive to the Kipahulu rather than hike down from the "crater."





Haleakala offers two campgrounds, two remote wilderness grounds and three primitive cabins. Camping is free but group camping is limited to 12 people. Throughout the park, be aware that the changes in elevation result in changes in temperature. It may be balmy near the base and quite chilly up top, so layer clothing accordingly. Check with the Maui Visitor's Bureau for privately run activities, such as coasting down from the summit on bikes. Park Headquarters Visitor Center and Haleakala Visitor Center are wheelchair-accessible.