Haleakala National Park in Maui
Haleakala means “house of the sun”. It is the origin of the legend that Maui trapped the sun at this spot to make the day longer. It is also home to a national park that encompasses 33,265 acres and a dormant volcano. The volcano stretched above land up to 10,023 feet above sea level.
Back in 1916, Haleakala was included as part of the Hawaii National Park alongside fellow volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea on the island of Hawaii. In 1961, the parks split, and Mauna Loa and Kilauea were designated as part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
There are two districts in Haleakala National Park in Maui: The Summit District (mountain) and the Kipahulu District (coast). Both districts are open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, and have restrooms. Both districts have hiking trails, with 30 miles of trails in the Summit District and three miles in Kipahulu.
At the Summit
At the summit, you can find Haleakala Crater, which spans almost seven miles across and is 2,600 feet deep. There are two main hiking trails that lead into the crater. Please plan ahead for your visit to Haleakala, as there is no food or gas in the park. Bring a water bottle as water is available at the visitor centers.
Visitors most often make the trek to Haleakala for sunrise or sunset. Both are spectacular sights to renew your spirit and connect with the island. We recommend planning for cold and windy weather when visiting during these times. Also, be aware that the road up and down the mountain does not have lights.
If you’re not an early riser, consider visiting at night. The summit is one of the best places for stargazing. The Haleakala Observatory is located here, and the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy manages the site. You may pick up a star map at either the Park Headquarters Visitor Center or the Haleakala Visitor Center. You can rent binoculars or bring your own and look up at the stars, moon, and planets.
A great activity during your trip includes a visit to Haleakala National Park. Maui and Hale Napili look forward to hosting you soon. Book your trip today!
