Haleakalā National Park is on the Maui Island of Hawaii, named after Haleakalā (“House of the Sun”), a dormant volcano. It is one of the most popular attractions of Maui. The summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area are two distinct sections of the park. The road leading to the summit is winding with many hairpin turns, but well maintained. The summit area includes the Haleakala Crater, an observatory, and the summit of the volcano. The winding coastal road leads to the Kipahulu section which is entirely different from the Summit area. This section has more than two dozen sacred pools, waterfalls, a bamboo forest, and of course, the coastal beaches.
These photos are from our 8 day trip to Hawaii during the first week of October, 2016.
An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
An extremely winding road leads to the Summit
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
Looking from the Leleiwi Overlook
A road to the clouds
Kalahaku overlook
Pu’u o Maui – Hill of Maui, Kalahaku overlook
Kalahaku overlook
Kalahaku overlook
Haleakala Observatory
Summit Area, 10,023 ft above sea level
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
Haleakalā National Park Summit Area
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
Sunset at Pu’u’ula’ula Summit
The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools)
The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools)
Makahiku Falls, Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
Big Banyan Tree, Pipiwai Trail
The Bamboo Forest on Maui’s Pipiwai Trail
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Quick Facts and Tips
Best time to visit
Weather and good deals: Apr to May, Sep to Oct. Dec to Mar is better, but could be expensive
Fly into
Kahului Airport is the main airport and has direct flights from the U.S. mainland
Kapalua Airport (west side) and Hana Airport(east side) are other smaller commuter airports
Honolulu International Airport, then take a short, 35-40 minute flight to Kahului or Kapalua Maui Airports
Clothing
Weather is warm, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, rain gears and a light jacket for the cool evenings
Bring warm clothes as the Summit area is cooler than the sea level and it gets colder in the mornings and evenings
On the contrast Kīpahulu District is hot and humid, so wear accordingly
Be sure to check the Park official website for the current trail conditions and road closures before heading out
No gas stations on Haleakala Highway and within the park, have the gas tank filled before you hit the road
There will be an entry fee and it is good for both parts of the park – the Summit District and Kīpahulu District
No food stations inside the park, so bring food and water
Roads are narrow, drive slowly and park only in parking lots
Prepare yourself if you have motion sickness
Best things to do in the Summit District
Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset at the Summit. Since 2017 it is required to get a reservation in advance for sunrise view at the Summit, but no reservation is necessary for viewing sunset at this time. You can make reservations of your sunrise visit online up to 60 days in advance here
Although the first glimpse of the Leleiwi Overlook trail might not look impressive, do the full trail to relish the panoramic view of the vast crater of Haleakala
Enjoy the picture perfect volcanic panoramic views at Kalahaku Lookout