Things to do nearHaleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii draws visitors with its otherworldly volcanic crater, rare native wildlife, and some of the clearest stargazing skies on Earth.
Haleakalā, whose name translates roughly to "house of the sun" in Hawaiian, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Native Hawaiians, who regard the mountain as an ancestor and a sacred place. The park was established in 1916 as part of Hawaii National Park and became its own distinct unit in 1961. At its heart is the massive summit depression, often called a crater, though it was shaped largely by erosion rather than a single volcanic collapse. The reddish cinder cones and lava flows that fill the basin give it a stark, meditative beauty that has drawn travelers, scientists, and artists for generations.
Visitors exploring the summit area can hike trails that descend into the basin, passing through an alien terrain of volcanic rock and ash where silence is almost total. The park's lower Kipahulu District, accessible via the Road to Hana, offers an entirely different experience — dense tropical vegetation, freshwater pools, and the dramatic Waimoku Falls at the end of the Pipiwai Trail.
Wildlife throughout the park includes the nene, Hawaii's state bird and a once-critically endangered goose that now roams the crater slopes. The summit is also recognized as one of the premier astronomical observation sites in the world, drawing both professional observatories and amateur stargazers to its clear, dark skies. Whether the goal is a quiet hike through volcanic silence or a predawn vigil for a famous sunrise, Haleakalā National Park offers an encounter with Hawaii's natural and cultural depth that lingers long after the visit ends.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Haleakalā National Park
Visit the summit before dawn to watch sunrise from above the clouds, one of the most celebrated natural spectacles in Hawaii — arrive at least 30 minutes early and reserve a timed entry permit well in advance.
Bring warm layers regardless of the season, as summit temperatures regularly drop into the 30s Fahrenheit even when the coast is warm and sunny.
Drive or hike down to the Kipahulu District to walk the Pipiwai Trail, which leads through a bamboo forest to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Look for the rare silversword plant along the crater trails — it blooms only once in its lifetime and is found nowhere else on Earth outside of Hawaii.
Download offline maps before your visit, as cell service is unreliable throughout much of the park, particularly near the summit.
Top tours & experiences near Haleakalā National Park
2-Tank Molokini Crater Scuba Dive & Snorkel From Kihei
Dive Molokini Crater with a small-group 2-tank boat trip
Haleakalā Summit & Road to Hana Halfway Tour on Maui
Pair Haleakalā’s volcanic summit with waterfalls and swim stops along the Road to Hana
Intro Scuba Shore Dive in Maui With PADI Instructor
Try scuba from shore in Maui with a PADI Instructor (max 4 divers per instructor)
16-Mile Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour to the Sea
Ride 16 miles downhill from 6,700 feet to Baldwin Beach Park
Haleakalā National Park Birding Tour
Find Maui's native birds with a guide, checklist and binoculars
Private Road to Hana Waterfall Tour from Kahului
Customize your Road to Hana day with hikes, waterfalls, and beach stops
PADI Discover Scuba Shore Dive in Lahaina, Maui
Take your first shore scuba dive with a PADI instructor in a small group
Guided Sunrise Tour of Haleakalā National Park
Ride to Haleakalā's summit for sunrise, stories, and breakfast
Self-Guided Haleakalā Mountain-to-Sea Bike Tour
A self-paced 98% downhill ride through upcountry Maui
Explore Maui Wild Card 2-Tank Scuba Dive Charter
Dive Maui’s less-visited sites on a 2-tank Wild Card charter
Guided Reverse Road to Hana Tour
Explore Maui’s reverse Road to Hana route with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and guided driving
Alpaca Picnic & Angora Bunny Visit in Makawao, Maui
Hand-feed alpacas, enjoy a pasture picnic, and visit Angora bunnies
Sunrise Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour in Wailea
Paddle the Wailea coastline at sunrise with views of Haleakala Crater
Maui 135cc Motorcycle Rental
Ride Maui’s coastal roads on a nimble 135cc street motorcycle
Haleakala Summit Sunrise or Sunset Slingshot Rental
Drive a Slingshot to Haleakala with navigation and open-air summit views
Farm-to-Table Food Tour in Upcountry Maui
Cruise Upcountry Maui for goat dairy bites, vodka tastings, and homemade treats
Haleakalā National Park 7-Hour Birdwatching Tour
Search for Maui’s endemic birds from Haleakalā forests to coastal wetlands
Explore West Maui Volcano on a Private Guided Tour
Circle West Maui with petroglyphs, cliff overlooks, and hike options
Private Luxury Haleakalā National Park Summit Tour
Head to Haleakalā for sunset without taking on the mountain drive
Haleakalā Sunrise Guided Tour
Watch sunrise from Haleakalā’s summit with a local guide
Haleakalā Downhill Bike Tour & Tasting
Coast Haleakalā’s upper switchbacks twice, then relax with an Upcountry tasting
Dive the Carthaginian II Wreck off Lahaina
Deep wreck dive on the Carthaginian II with a second West Maui reef dive
Private Reverse Road to Hana Tour on Maui
Ride the reverse Road to Hana in a private SUV, with waterfalls and black sand beach stops
Private Chocolate & Coffee Farm Tour in Kula, Maui
Tour Kupa’a Farms and taste chocolate and 100% Maui coffee