National Park Guide

Haleakala National Park

Hawaii, US

A sacred volcanic summit above the clouds on Maui, where the demigod Maui lassoed the sun.

33,265

Acres

Trails

1916

Established

1.28 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

Kahului Airport (OGG), 1 hour 15 minutes (to summit)

Best Months

April, May, June, September, October, November

Highlights

Watching sunrise from the 10,023-foot summit above the clouds
Hiking the Sliding Sands Trail into the volcanic crater
Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe'o Gulch) at Kipahulu for swimming
Spotting the rare Haleakala silversword plant in bloom
Mountain biking down the volcano from summit to sea level
Stargazing from one of the clearest viewpoints on Earth

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Haleakala National Park

Sliding Sands Trail

Strenuous

11.2 miles round trip

2,800 ft gain

Halemau'u Trail

Strenuous

8.0 miles round trip

1,400 ft gain

Pipiwai Trail

Moderate

4.0 miles round trip

650 ft gain

Hosmer Grove Trail

Easy

0.5 miles loop

50 ft gain

Supply Trail

Moderate

3.8 miles round trip

700 ft gain

About Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park protects the massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the island of Maui, from its 10,023-foot summit to the pools and waterfalls of Kipahulu on the coast. The summit crater is a vast erosional depression spanning 7 miles long and 2 miles wide, with cinder cones rising from its floor. The park protects more endangered species than any other national park, including the Hawaiian goose (nene) and the extraordinary silversword plant that blooms only once in its lifetime.

In-Depth Guide

Haleakala National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Haleakala National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Hawaii.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

Explore More

Hotels

3 options near Haleakala National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

View all hotels

Montage Kapalua Bay

$$$$

An ultra-luxury oceanfront resort on Kapalua Bay, consistently rated among Maui's finest. Spacious residential-style suites with full kitchens, a world-class spa, and stunning sunset views over Molokai.

35 miles from park entrance$600-1200/night

Check on Hotels.com

Lumeria Maui

$$$

A serene retreat in upcountry Maui surrounded by gardens and ocean views. The closest upscale accommodation to Haleakala's summit, offering yoga, farm-to-table dining, and a tranquil atmosphere.

30 min drive to summit$300-500/night

Check on Hotels.com

Maui Seaside Hotel

A no-frills local hotel in Kahului near the airport, offering affordable rooms with a pool and Japanese restaurant. A practical budget base for early-morning sunrise trips to Haleakala summit.

25 miles from park entrance$120-200/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Haleakala National Park

See how Haleakala National Park stacks up against other national parks

Haleakala National Park vs Joshua Tree National Park

Choose Haleakala for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise above the clouds and tropical coastal hikes. Choose Joshua Tree for accessible desert camping, rock climbing, and stargazing closer to the mainland.

See full comparison

Haleakala National Park vs Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Choose Hawaii Volcanoes for active volcanism, lava landscapes, and geological drama. Choose Haleakala for the iconic above-the-clouds sunrise and combining a park visit with Maui's beaches and resorts.

See full comparison