Haleakalā National Park
Park Hawaii park protecting volcanic crater and endemic species
On Maui, Haleakalā National Park centers on a 10,023-foot volcanic summit with a broad crater, alpine desert and endemic plants such as the silversword. Visitors come for sunrise views above the clouds, crater hikes and high-elevation biking and stargazing.
Haleakalā National Park protects the high-elevation summit area and the coastal Kīpahulu region on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The park is known for its volcanic landscape, endemic plants and cultural sites.
The park was established to protect Haleakalā’s volcanic summit, native ecosystems and cultural resources; management has focused on preserving endemic species and the island’s cultural landscape while providing public access.
Located on East Maui, the park spans from coastal rainforest in the Hana area up to the island’s high central plateau; the summit area is reached via a steep road from sea level to over 10,000 feet.
- Summit elevation: The summit reaches 10,023 feet above sea level, and sunrise viewing from the summit is a popular activity that can require advance planning for parking or timed entry.
What to See #
- Summit District: Summit District - contains Haleakalā Crater and the park's highest points with an elevation of 10,023 feet; popular for sunrise and crater viewing.
- Kīpahulu District: Kīpahulu District - located on the park's windward flank and includes coastal rainforest, the Pools of 'Ohe'o (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools) and shorter hiking trails.
How to Get to Haleakalā National Park #
Haleakalā National Park (summit area) is reached by road from central Maui. From Kahului (Kahului Airport) drive south and then up Haleakalā Highway (Route HI‑378 / the Crater Road) toward the summit; allow about 1-1.5 hours driving time from Kahului (roads are steep and winding). Park at the visitor center or summit parking areas; if coming from south Maui (Kīhei/Wailea) plan on a longer drive (about 1.5-2 hours).
Tips for Visiting Haleakalā National Park #
- If you want to watch sunrise at the summit, reserve a sunrise-viewing permit well in advance-the National Park requires a timed reservation and fee for summit sunrise access.
- If you prefer fewer crowds but still great views, visit mid- to late-morning after the sunrise crowd has dispersed; allow time for the steep, winding drive and check for summit road/park alerts on the NPS website before you go.
- Remember the park has two distinct areas (the summit and the coastal/Kipahulu unit); plan which unit you want to see so you don't spend time driving between them on a single short visit.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park #
Plan for early morning or late-afternoon visits outside the busiest holiday periods; summit conditions are cold year-round and sunrise viewing is extremely popular.
Weather & Climate near Haleakalā National Park #
Haleakalā National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (818 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and breezy conditions.
