Introduction
Haleakalā National Park is named after the dormant volcano within its boundaries, Haleakalā. Haleakalā National Park was established in 1916 as part of the National Park System. The park covers approximately 33,265 acres (52.0 square miles or 134.6 square kilometers). Haleakalā National Park attracts around 1.1 million visitors each year.
According to Hawaiian mythology, the demigod Maui lassoed the sun atop Haleakalā, slowing its journey across the sky. The name "Haleakalā" translates to "House of the Sun," reflecting this legend.
The sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā is a major draw. Visitors often wake up early to witness the breathtaking view from the summit, where the sun emerges above the clouds. (more information below)
The major attractions include the Haleakalā Crater. The massive volcanic crater, spanning 7 miles (11.3 km) across, is the centerpiece of the park. Its otherworldly landscape features cinder cones, lava flows, and colorful mineral deposits. The Seven Sacred Pools is another attraction. These tiered freshwater pools cascade down lush cliffs. Visitors can swim in some of the pools.
For more information, visit the park’s Wikipedia site.
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Pipiwai Trail (moderate) - 4.0 miles (6.4 km); elevation gain 800 feet (244 m). A lush Kipahulu District hike through bamboo forest toward Waimoku Falls.
Sliding Sands Trail to Ka Lu'u o ka O'o (difficult) - 11.0 miles (17.7 km); elevation gain 2,500 feet (762 m). A demanding summit-area crater hike with high elevation, exposure, and a hard climb out.
Halemauu Trail to Holua (moderate to difficult) - 7.4 miles (11.9 km); elevation gain 1,400 feet (427 m). A crater route with switchbacks, big views, and access to the Holua backcountry area.
Campgrounds and Cabins
Staying in a Haleakalā National Park campground is different that staying in one on the mainland. First of all, you are limited to three nights. Also, there are no overnight camping in vehicles, only tents. You may only stay overnight in designated campgrounds. You can book reservations at reservations.gov.
Hosmer Grove Campground is located in the summit district of the park and is approximately 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level. The campground is situated in a forest of redwood trees and offers 11 campsites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Kipahulu Campground is located in the coastal district of the park at approximately sea level. The campground is situated near the ocean and offers 10 campsites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Backpacking Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds available to backpackings. Make sure you reserve a site well in advance at recreation.gov.
Hōlua Campground is located near Ko'olau Gap. The campground is reached by hiking approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) down the Halemau'u Trail or 7.4 miles (12 km) from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trailhead. The campsite offers 11 campsites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Each single campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents. Group campsites allow for a maximum of ten people and four tents. The campsite has pit toilets and seasonally non-potable water available nearby. The water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
Palikū Campground is on the east end of the Wilderness valley. It is at an elevation of 6.380 feet (1.945 m). Rain is common at the campsite. It is located near Ko'olau Gap and is accessible only by trail. The campground is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mile (15 km) one-way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail or 10.4 miles (17 km) one-way hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. The campsite offers 3 campsites with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Each single campsite allows a maximum of five people and two tents. Group campsites allow for a maximum of ten people and four tents. The campsite has pit toilets and seasonally non-potable water available nearby. The water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
Cabins
There are three historic cabins within the crater that are accessible only by trail: Kapalaoa, Palikū, and Hōlua. All reservations for cabins must be made on recreation.gov. These cabins are rustic. More information can be found through the NPS link.
Hōlua Cabin is located at 6,940 ft (2,115 m), nestled at the base of the crater wall in the shrubland near Koʻolau Gap. This is the cabin reached by the shortest hike. Hōlua is 3.7 mi (6 km) one way down the Halemauʻu Trail or 7.4 mi one way (12 km) from the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) trailhead. Visitors staying at Hōlua can enjoy day hikes further into the crater.
Palikū Cabin, located at 6,380 ft (1,945 m), is on the east end of the wilderness valley at the base of a rain forest cliff. This cabin is reached via a strenuous 9.3 mi (15 km) one-way hike on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail or a 10.4 mi (17 km) one-way hike on the Halemauʻu Trail.
Kapalaoa Cabin, located at 7,250 ft (2,210 m), is perched near the Kaupo Gap on the southern end of the wilderness valley. This cabin is reached via a 5.6 mi (2.7 km) hike via Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail or a 7.2 mi (11.6 km) hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. Pit toilets and water are available near the cabins. All water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. During times of drought (summer months), water must be packed in. Each cabin has a wood-burning stove, propane stove, and twelve padded bunks.
Sunrise and Sunsets
We have not done it ourselves, but the word is that the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular within the park. Below is more information, and we have included the link to the NPS website for more details.
To view the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park, you will need to make a reservation ahead of time at recreation.gov. Reservations can be made online up to 60 days. These tickets are released at 7:00 am HST. A portion of reservations for any given day will be released 2 days (48 hours) in advance. A visitor may only purchase one sunrise reservation per three-day period. Upon arrival, please have the reservation holder present with valid ID, reservation confirmation email, and your park pass or a way to purchase one. Please note that calling the park directly, or visiting in-person, will not result in a reservation. Reservations will not be refunded or exchanged due to weather. Sunrise tours are available from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The drive time between the entrance gate and the summit is about 30 minutes. Parking is restricted to designated lots only. Parking lots will close when full. For a more solitary experience, visit Leleiwi or Kalahaku overlooks.
Sunset at the summit of Haleakalā has become increasingly popular. There are no reservations required to enter the park for sunset, but visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for their evening trip to the summit. Visitors can watch sunset from the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot. Be prepared. Parking fills up fast. Spots at the summit are limited! Plan to arrive with extra time to find a spot, and investigate several options so you have backup sunset viewing locations. Parking lots will close when they are filled to capacity. Keep in mind that sunset is beautiful throughout the park and even throughout the island. Dress warmly. The high elevation of the summit can be dozens of degrees colder than the beaches at sea level. The summit can also be windy and wet, so bring your layers.