Haleakala National Park Parks and Outdoors Vacations

Haleakala National Park Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Aerial view of Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii (S. Alden/PhotoLink/Photodisc/Getty)

Haleakala National Park Parks and Outdoors Highlights

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker
  • Haleakala National Park slices up volcanic Mt. Haleakala, a dramatic scurry to the clouds from sea level to 10,000 feet over a distance of 35 miles. The environment changes rapidly and dramatically with the altitude, from subtropical rainforest at sea level to subalpine desert in the crater.
  • At this park on the island of Hawaii, you can see rare Hawaiian forest birds. Haleakala is the Hawaiian name for the "house of the sun." Many visitors do no realize that this park is also a part of the East Maui volcano. The summit area of Haleakala is where the demigod, Maui, snared the sun and forced it to a slow journey across the sky.
  • Haleakala National Park has wilderness campsites and cabins located on strenuous trails at high elevations. All require permits, and some require an additional fee and reservation lottery. There are also two drive-up campgrounds in Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu areas of the park. Take a minute to consider how your experience in Maui could be enhanced by even one night here, away from your beach resort. It's quite an amazing experience, actually.
  • The magnificent summit area can be experienced by car. This is the only place in the world where you can drive on a paved road from sea level to higher than 10,000 feet in less than 38 miles. Switchbacks on the map of the Summit District give a sense of the steepness of this climb. You can make it in an hour and a half, but you'll want to stop, and stop, and stop.

Hotels

expert favorite hotel
Haleakala Wilderness Cabins
Haleakala National Park
Maui, HI
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 7.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite hotel
Upcountry Bed and Breakfast
4925 Lower Kula Rd.
Kula, HI 96790
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 19.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Hosmer Grove
Haleakala National Park
Maui, HI
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 7.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Haleakala National Park Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Waikamoi Preserve
Makawao
P.O. Box 1716
Maui, Hawaii 96768
Distance: 7.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The stream that flows through 5,230-acre Waikamoi... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Halemau'u Trail
Hwy. 378 to park entrance. Travel 3.5 miles pass headquarters on Haleakala Crater Rd.
Kailua, Hawaii Map
Distance: 3.3 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Halemau'u Trail crosses ten miles to the... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Hosmer's Grove
Take the first left above park entrance station; continue to Hosmer Grove Campground.
Kipahulu, Hawaii
Distance: 7.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Perfect for families with young children, Hosmer... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Haleakala National Park Attractions

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