12 Things to Do in Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is one of two national parks in Hawaii, and a must-do when visiting Maui. Exploring Haleakala National Park can take one to two days as it’s a huge park with two separate districts. Whether you plan to visit one district or both, here are 12 things to do in Haleakala National Park.

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About Haleakalā National Park

Two Districts: Summit District and Kipahulu District

There are two districts in Haleakala National Park, separate from each other, with no direct road to/from the districts. So if you are planning on visiting both districts, plan for two days in Haleakala, as you’ll need at least one day per district.

Elevation from 0 to 10,023 Feet

The lowest point in Haleakala National Park is sea level and the highest point reaches more than 10,000 feet. The huge park covers more than 30,000 acres.

“House of the Sun”

In Hawaiian, Haleakala means “House of the Sun.” In Hawaiian folklore, the crater at the summit of Haleakalā was home to the grandmother of the demigod Māui, who helped him slow the sun’s journey across the sky in order to lengthen the day in the summer.

An Active Volcano

While Haleakala is technically considered an active volcano, it hasn’t erupted in hundreds of years. However, in the last 30,000 years, it’s erupted numerous times, and it’s erupted at least 10 times in the last 1,000 years.

A road winding along Haleakala with clouds on the side — Haleakalā National Park

Tips for Visiting Haleakala National Park

It’s cold, so bring a jacket. Haleakalā is over 10,000 feet elevation, so it’s cold and windy up there! Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes. One person in our party didn’t want to leave the car because of how cold it was. Be prepared!

Fuel up. You’ll be doing a lot of driving no matter which district you visit in Haleakala. Fill up your gas tank before heading out.

Pay the entry fee by credit card. The entry fee is $30 per vehicle, unless you have an annual pass. If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.

Set out early. The park is open 24 hours, daily. Set out early to make the most of your day.

Get a sunrise reservation. If you plan to arrive before sunrise (or between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.), you will need a reservation. (There are no reservations required to watch the sunset.)

Things to Do on the Way to the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park

On your drive to the top of Haleakalā, don’t rush, as there are things to do along the journey. I’d suggest stopping at these 3 awesome places on the way to the Summit District.

1. Visit Maui Tea Farm

If you love tea, then you’ll be excited to see the signs for Maui Tea Farm on the way to Haleakalā.

You can reserve a tour of the tea farm or simply wander the shop and gardens. There’s a walkway covered in wisteria that is just magical (when blooming in spring).

You can try samples of tea inside the shop and even buy a few packs to take home.

A sign for Maui Tea Farm in front of the small shop

2. Zipline

Next door to the tea farm is a ziplining company called Skyline Hawaii. They offer several different zipline packages, which look really fun!

3. Dine at Kula Lodge and Explore the Gardens

On your way up or down the summit, be sure to stop at Kula Lodge for a meal. There are huge windows in the restaurant offering amazing views.

Don’t skip dessert: They serve Maui Pie for dessert, so try to get a slice before they sell out for the day.

Explore the gardens: After your meal, head out into the gardens and walk around a bit. You’ll find a beautiful array of tropical plants and flowers with incredible views of Maui below.

Browse the gift shop: Near the parking lot, on the other side of the property, you’ll find the gift shop with a great selection of souvenirs.

A woman walking along a sidewalk through a tropical garden

The author's mom staring out at the view from Kula Lodge — Kula Lodge

Things to Do in the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park

4. Stop in the Visitor Center and Hike Pa Ka’oao

Length: 0.4 miles, round trip
Elevation gain: 100 feet

Once you are nearing the summit, you’ll find the visitor center. It’s a small building with a few souvenirs for purchase. You can also pick up informational brochures here or talk to a national park ranger.

Nearby there is a short half-mile hike called Pa Ka’oao. On the trail, you’ll be able to see the crater.

5. Drive to Puʻuʻulaʻula, Red Hill, the Highest Point of Haleakalā

Keep driving to reach the highest point at the Summit Observation Deck, which reaches 10,023 feet in elevation. Here you’ll see 360-degree views of Maui below, weather permitting. You’re higher than the clouds at this point.

The elevation is quite high atop Haleakalā so it feels much colder than the beaches below.

Clouds above the summit of Haleakala — Haleakalā National Park

The author's mom pointing at a sign that says "Elevation: 10,023 feet (3055 meters)" — Elevation sign at Haleakalā National Park

The author looking out at the view at the summit of Haleakala — At the summit of Haleakalā National Park

6. See the Sunset or Sunrise at Haleakala National Park

We visited the Summit of Haleakala at midday and enjoyed the views but you can also opt to visit the summit at either sunrise or sunset.

Sunrise: If you are going to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise (anytime between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.), you will need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made up to 60 days ahead of time, and a portion of tickets will be released 48 hours in advance.

Sunset: Drive up Haleakalā at golden hour in order to watch the sunset. You don’t need a reservation. However, parking fills up fast, so you may need to go early to ensure you have somewhere to park.

7. Hike the Sliding Sands Trail

Length: 11 miles, round trip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

The Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe‘ehe‘e Trail) will take you down into the crater. It’s an 11-mile round trip hike that can take all day, if you let it. However you can shorten the hike as there are various points of interests on this trail, and you can turn back at any point.

The hike begins at the Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot, at the Keonehe‘ehe‘e Trailhead.

First overlook — 0.5 miles into the trail, you’ll reach the first overlook.
Crater floor — 3.9 miles into the trail, you’ll reach the crater floor.
Pele’s Paint Pot and the Bottomless Pit — About 5.7 miles into the trail, you’ll reach the end of this trail (before you’ll have to turn around), near the Halāli’i cinder cone and Kawilinau, a volcanic pit.

8. Visit Hosmer Grove

Hosmer Grove contains both native and non-native trees. There’s a half-mile trail here to take you through the various trees. You may be able to spot a honeycreeper bird here; they are found nowhere else on earth.

9. Visit Kalahaku and/or Leleiwi Overlooks

On your drive up or down the summit, stop by one of the overlooks for a quick walk to see incredible views of the island below. There are small parking lots at both overlooks for you to pull over and park. Views can be shrouded by clouds or inclement weather.

10. Take a Bike Ride Down the Summit

Biking down Haleakala is a popular activity, and you’ll see many bicyclists doing just that. You don’t have to bike up the hill if you don’t want to as many biking tour companies help you bypass that part.

clouds surrounding a road to the summit of Haleakala

Things to Do in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park

To access the Kipahulu District, you’ll need to drive all the away around the island, down the Road to Hana. Because of its distance, you’ll need another day to drive out to it.

See my list of 15 stops on the Road to Hana to make a day out of your adventure to the Kipahulu District.

11. Hike the Pīpīwai Trail and See Two Waterfalls

Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 800 feet

The Pīpīwai Trail is a popular hike through a bamboo forest, past a banyan tree and two waterfalls. The trail is unpaved, rocky, and contains exposed roots, so watch your step.

Makahiku Falls — 0.5 miles into the trail, you will reach the overlook to view Makahiku Falls.
Banyan Tree — About 0.6 miles into the trail, you’ll see a huge Banyan Tree estimated to be over 100 years old.
Bamboo Forest — 1 mile into the trail, you will reach the Bamboo Forest. Listen to the bamboo creak and pop in the wind.
Waimoku Falls — 2 miles into the trail, the trail ends at Waimoku Falls.

12. Visit and Hike to Seven Sacred Pools, ‘Ohe’o Gulch

Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 80 feet

On the Kūloa Point Trail, which starts by the Kīpahulu Visitor Center, you’ll be able to view the Seven Sacred Pools. The trail also passes by archaeological sites and ocean views, ending at Kuloa Point at the mouth of ‘Ohe’o Gulch.

Map of Things to Do in Haleakala National Park

What to Know Before Traveling to Maui

There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself.

Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.

Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?

Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.

Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).

You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii.

How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?

Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.

Before traveling to any Hawaiian island, become familiar with how to be a respectful and responsible traveler to the islands and pledge to travel pono.
Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.

What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?

Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. The only exceptions are in the higher elevation areas of Volcano, HI on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui where it does get chilly. Otherwise, there isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.

Will I Need to Rent a Car?

Yes, definitely. Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as Maui is fairly small and many rental car companies had to consolidate during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Haleakala National Park

Where to stay in Maui when visiting Haleakala National Park?

I’d recommend finding a hotel or condo in Kihei, Maui, as it’s a very central location, in the middle of the island, close to everything. It was very easy to do day trips to Hana and Haleakala while also being close to the beaches and the towns.

Where we stayed: We stayed in a condo on Sugar Beach (in Sugar Beach Resort) near Kihei Town and loved it. We were walking distance from an ABC Store and a farmers market as well as steps from the beach (plus there’s a pool).

Most of the condos in Sugar Beach Resort are short-term rentals. Some are ocean front, some are on the ground floor, most have one bedroom, some have two. Look through all the options and take your pick!

Recommended Hotels in Kihei, Maui:

How do you spend a day in Haleakala?

With only one day to spend at Haleakala, I’d stick to the Summit District and drive up to the highest point. Stop at the overlooks on the way as well as any other stops that interest you. If you’d like to hike, bring your jacket and hiking boots.

Is Haleakala crater worth it?

Yes, it’s definitely worth it to visit the Haleakala crater. The views are incredible.

How much time do you need at Haleakala National Park?

If you’re visiting the Summit District only, you can easily spend all day up here. However, you can also shorten your trip by not hiking, just driving to the summit and stopping at overlooks only.

What to do after Haleakala sunrise?

After watching the sunrise at Haleakala, head down to the Kula Lodge for breakfast. From there, you can decide if you’d like to do a hike or explore other areas of Haleakala.

Can you drive up Haleakala? How is the drive to Haleakala?

Yes, you can drive up Haleakala. It’s a long drive, but there are several stops you can make to break up the drive. The drive is curvy as it goes up the mountain, but it’s not dangerous. The roads are well paved and in good condition.

How did Haleakala become a national park?

Haleakala became a national park in 1916, but it was combined with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and both were collectively known as Hawaii National Park. Haleakala was known as the Haleakala Section. The two parks weren’t separated until 1961.

The road to the summit of Haleakala and the Haleakala visitor center were built in the 1930s.

Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959.

What is the most memorable thing about visiting Haleakala National Park?

The most memorable thing is visiting the summit, the highest point of Haleakala. The views are incredible.

What are some fun facts about Haleakala volcano in Maui HI?

In Hawaiian, Haleakala means “House of the Sun.”
The highest point of Haleakala is 10,023 feet.
Haleakala is technically considered an active volcano.
It hasn’t erupted in hundreds of years. However, it’s erupted at least 10 times in the last 1,000 years.

Is there a way to get last minute reservations for Haleakala sunrise if the website is sold out?

If the sunrise reservations are sold out, you can try to wait for the small portion of tickets that are released 48 hours before any particular day.

What to pack for Hawaii?

Here are some of my favorite things I brought with me to Hawaii:

Reef-safe sunscreen
Snorkel set
Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)
EPA-registered insect repellent. There are mosquitoes in Hawaii, and while it’s rare for one of them to be carrying a virus, it’s best to spray yourself with insect repellent regularly to prevent those pesky bites. Be sure to use an EPA-registered insect repellent that has one of 5 active ingredients recommended by the CDC. The EPA has a search tool to help you locate a registered, effective insect repellent. My recommendation for a natural option is to use the EPA-registered Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray, which uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its active ingredient.

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!