Haleakala National Park

The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala on the island of Maui and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species.
Haleakala, originally part of Hawaii National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity in July 1961. Haleakala National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 19,270 are wilderness.

Haleakala National Park
P.O. Box 369
Makawao, Maui, HI 96768
808.572.4400 - Visitor Information
808.572.4400 - Headquarters
808.572.4487 - Volunteer Information

By Plane
The main airport is in Kahului, in central Maui. Major airlines fly from the U.S. mainland and inter-island flights are common between the main Hawaiian islands.

By Car
Haleakala National Park extends from the 10,023 foot summit of Haleakala down the southeast flank of the mountain to the Kipahulu coast near Hana. These two sections of the Park are not directly connected by road, but both can be reached from Kahului. The Summit area of Haleakala is a three hour round trip drive from Kahului via roads 37, 377, and 378. Follow the signs posted along the Highway. The Kipahulu area of the Park is at the east end of Maui between Hana and Kaupo. It can be reached via Highway 36, a curvy, often wet road. Kipahulu is about 90 miles from the resort areas of Wailea or Kaanapali, and 60 miles from central Maui. Driving time is about 3-4 hours each way. An extension of this road, Highway 31, goes around the dry side of the island, past Kaupo and on to Ulupalakua. It is only partially paved and can be hazardous or closed during periods of stormy weather.

By Plane
There is no public transportation available to the park.

Summit Area: The weather at the summit of Haleakala is unpredictable. Temperatures commonly range between 40 and 65F, but can be below freezing at anytime of year with the wind chill factor. Weather changes rapidly at high elevations on Haleakala. Intense sunlight, thick clouds, heavy rain and high winds are possible daily. Wear lightweight, layered clothing that will keep you warm even in wet weather, and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
NOTE: Persons with heart or respiratory problems and pregnant women should check with their doctor before coming to the Park, given the reduced oxygen at high elevation.

Kipahulu Area: The weather in Kipahulu is usually warm, and rain is common. Flash flooding of the pools and streams can be hazardous to swimmers and hikers. Always check with the Park Rangers before entering the pools and never swim if flood warnings are posted. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in this area.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing

Recommended Activities
The View Above...

Sky-watching is a great way to escape the world! Stop at one of the several overlooks on the Park road or take a short walk away from the traffic noise to watch the clouds. The visual horizon in many places in the Summit area is up to 115 miles out to sea. Even cloudy skies can offer amazing sights including rainbows, moonbows and halos seen around your shadow. Haleakala offers one of the most easily accessible places to watch planets, stars and moons after dark. Rent a pair of 10x50 or 7x50 binoculars at one of the island dive shops, pick up a star map at Park Headquarters or Haleakala Visitor Center, and see if you can find the moons of Jupiter.