Haleakala National Park
Makawao, HI 96768
Phone: (808) 572-4400
Editorial Review for Haleakala National Park – by Citysearch Staff
In Short
A scenic drive along Highway 378 leads to Maui's 10,000-ft dormant volcano, a spot Mark Twain dubbed a "sublime spectacle." Colorful desert flora creates stunning contrast with the vast ocean and west Maui Mountains looming in the distance. Take in the scene from the car, or brave a long hike on Halemauu Trail. The Park office, a mile from the entrance, provides all the trail maps, reports and tips you'll need. "Hiking the crater," as locals refer to it, is a benchmark for adventurous travelers. For the best views, head down Haleakala Crater Road and stop off at Leleiwi Overlook at mile marker 17. Proceed deeper into the lunar-like landscape toward Kalahaku overlook, where Kipahula Valley and clusters of porcupine-like Silversword plants provide a picturesque scene. The journey is complete upon arrival at Puu Ulaua, the summit of Haleakala Crater, where on a clear day, you can see forever.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoBring loads of water, as it's almost always sunny on the mountaintop.
Getting TherePark headquarters and the 10,023 foot summit can be reached from Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours. Kipahulu is reached via Route 36 to 360 to 31. Driving time from Kahului is approximately 2.5 hours.
User Reviews for Haleakala National Park
09/04/2007 Posted by btydew
Breathtaking! Spectacular! Mysterious! Spiritual! The drive up is fun and lovely - watch out for free-roaming cows! Yes, you take your chances about the weather up there. I have been very happy to have packed 4 or 5 layers of winter clothes (no matter the season,) and I have been sleeveless at the summit, as well. Bring lots of layers, lots of film or an empty digital card with full camera bettery, because you will need them! I recommend taking the Pony Express 4 hour ride down into the crater. The views are spell-binding, the guides very knowlegable, and you will never forget this trip. Pony Express also takes good care of their horses. If you are there for sunset, you will be lucky if there are clouds below. Put yourself between the sun and the clouds to see a very unusual sight - a rainbow surrounding your shadow! This is way cool! Yes, there are times when it is too cloudy up there to see anything, and it is true that the weather down below may be cloudy and even rainy, but crystal clear on top of the mountain. This is part of the fun! In any case, the sun and clouds play with the amazing colors of the soil up there. Do take the time to stop at the lookouts. Plan on spending 1/2 day at least to get everything this park has to offer. I try to avoid the morning crowds. All of those bike riders in the middle of the mountain road - just too dangerous for my taste. When it is clear, you can see for miles and miles. This is not to be missed, in my opinion. Aloha!
Pros: The view, the view, the view! Also very clean restrooms.
05/12/2006 Posted by manatee43
WAS THERE 11/91....RIDE UP WAS GORGEOUS BUT COULDN'T TOUCH THE VIEW FROM THE CRATER...WOW!! MUST BE WHAT HEAVEN IS LIKE!! SOMEWHAT CHILLY AT 4AM BUT WATCHING THE SUN RISE WAS BREATHTAKING. COULD SEE SNOW IN THE DISTANCE. DRESS IN LAYERS.
Pros: TOILET FACILITIES, GREAT VIEWS
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