If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Haleakala National Park is the place to go. With its stunning landscapes and abundance of activities, there’s something for everyone here. From hiking to stargazing, these are some of the top things to do in Haleakala National Park. So if you’re ready for a truly memorable experience, pack your bags and head to Maui!
In the Summit District
Watch the Sunrise/Sunset – let’s tackle the most popular thing to do first. One way to experience the beauty of Hawaii is by driving up Haleakala National Park’s famous mountain. If you’re an early morning person, know that there will be plenty of others with whom you can share your sunrise moment – but don’t wait too long because reservations made 60 days in advance are required to enter the park between 3 – 7 AM. You can read a more detailed checklist of what to do in order to see the sunrise in our article here. The sunset is also incredible from the summit and not nearly as crowded. Whichever event you choose to witness, plan to show up with plenty of time to spare as lines can get long at the entrance. The entrance gate is often only staffed by a single person and the line of cars can get backed up.
Hike into the Crater – from the Visitor Center parking lot you can enter the Sliding Sands trail, just 4 miles one way to get to the crater floor. You can also join Halemau’u Trail to make it an 11-mile loop if you’re more adventurous. If these distances don’t sound like your thing, no worries.
Visit the Summit’s Highest Point – catch an amazing view of Maui or star gaze from its highest point by visiting Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill). At 10,023 feet it can be a bit hard to breathe so it’s good for us all that there is an easy 0.3-mile trail. Take it slow and enjoy the views of west Maui, the Haleakala crater, and the observatory.
Go stargazing – don’t just think of this national park as a daytime destination. It is worth it to come to the summit at night. You will enjoy a multitude of stars and if the skies are clear, the Milky Way as you’ve never seen it before. Bring a blanket and warm clothes then lay down on a bench to contemplate your place in the universe.
HIke Pa Ka’oao – from the Haleakala Visitor Center there’s an easy trail just 0.4 miles round trip with 100 feet of elevation gain for a view of the crater if you are not interested in the longer hikes listed above.
Enjoy the overlooks – The Kalahaku Overlook on Haleakala Hwy is great for a pit stop with views of the crater. Also, consider the Leleiwi Overlook at mile marker 17.5 you’ll see a parking lot on the right side of the road. Take the short trail to the overlook for an amazing view. Sometimes clouds and mist can fill the crater but don’t despair. This could be an opportunity for you if the sun is behind you and casting your shadow on the mist. You may be able to detect a rainbow outline around your shadow, a truly magical experience!
Take the nature trail at Hosmer Grove – To catch greener views, you can hike the shorter nature trail at Hosmer Grove. This spot also holds the only drive-in campground in the summit area. This is an easy half-mile trail with very little (50 ft.) elevation gain. Here you can see the non-native grove and learn about what park rangers are doing to keep these non-native species contained.
In the Kipahulu District
Hike the Pipiwai Trail – one of the most famous trails in all of Maui you have to drive on the Road to Hana to get to this section of the park.
Visit the Ohe’o Gulch – also known as the Seven Sacred Pools this area is one of the most beautiful collections of waterfalls and pools in Maui. But be advised there are not seven of them and they aren’t sacred. That was just a marketing ploy started by a local hotel owner to attract more tourists.
How Much Time Do You Need at Haleakala National Park?
With one day you can choose one district and stay there to hike and thoroughly enjoy the area. With two days, you can see both districts of the park and I would recommend a hotel stay in Hana to give you some rest as well as an early start to the Kipahulu District.
If you only have a half day to dedicate to the park then I would choose the Summit District and get in either a sunrise or sunset view from the summit. Depending on when you want to watch the celestial event you can hike an easier trail and enjoy the overlooks before or after to get a grander sense of the area.
Tips:
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- Pack your own food as there is very little in the summit area. When we went to watch the sunset we picked up dinner on the way up and enjoyed it from the parking lot right after sunset while we waited for darker skies to reveal the Milky Way.
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- Dress in layers. It is darn cold up there at the summit. Think the 30s to 40s and windy. So pack hand/foot warmers, a beanie, and a warm jacket for your trip if you plan to come. A blanket would help as well. You can pick up a cheap lawn chair at a local store and donate it before you leave.
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- Bring a headlamp (with dark sky lighting if doing the sunset event). It will be dark up there and using your phone’s flashlight will drain the battery. You may be focused on using your phone for pictures and want your hands free.
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- Arrive early. Plan to give yourself at least an additional hour for waiting in line to get through the summit entrance gate. Especially if attending the sunrise event. And in the Kipahulu District, the trails and spots mentioned above are incredibly popular. Arriving early will save you from the crowds.
Haleakala National Park is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure. With its stunning landscapes and abundance of activities, there’s something for everyone here. So if you’re ready for a truly memorable experience, pack your bags and head to Maui!
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