Haleakala National Park

About

Haleakala National Park protects the massive shield volcano that forms East Maui, rising over 10,000 feet from sea level to a summit that sits above the clouds. The name means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, and watching sunrise from the crater rim is one of Hawaii's most iconic experiences. The vast volcanic crater stretches seven miles across, filled with colorful cinder cones and an otherworldly terrain that has drawn comparisons to the surface of Mars.

The park is divided into two distinct districts. The Summit District is home to the famous crater overlooks, where visitors can gaze across a volcanic basin unlike anything else in the national park system. On clear days, you can see neighboring islands from the rim. The Kipahulu District, reached by a separate coastal road, offers a lush tropical contrast with cascading pools, waterfalls, and bamboo forests along the Pipiwai Trail.

Beyond the dramatic views, Haleakala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. The silversword plant, with its striking silver leaves and towering flower stalk, grows only on this volcano. The Hawaiian petrel and the nene (Hawaiian state bird) also call the park home.

Visitors should come prepared for extreme weather changes. The summit can be 30 degrees cooler than the coast, and conditions shift quickly from sunshine to fog and rain. Layers are essential, especially for sunrise visits. Sunrise reservations are required and should be booked well in advance through recreation.gov.

The drive to the summit follows a winding road with stunning views at every turn. Several overlooks along the way offer places to stop and take in the scenery. Whether you're watching the sun paint the crater in shades of gold and red at dawn, stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world, or exploring the pools at Kipahulu, Haleakala offers a profound connection to the raw power of volcanic creation and Hawaiian cultural heritage.

Accessibility

Haleakala offers accessible facilities in both of its districts, though the volcanic terrain does present some limitations for mobility device users.

In the Summit District, the Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakala Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove picnic area are all accessible. The Headquarters Visitor Center features an accessible exhibit on Hawaiian culture. Accessible restrooms are located at Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku Overlook, Park Headquarters Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove. Accessible water fountains are available at Park Headquarters Visitor Center and Haleakala Visitor Center.

The summit building is accessible with assistance via a steep ramp. However, park trails are currently unpaved and not suitable for wheelchair use. The overlooks along the crater rim road do provide stunning views that can be enjoyed from paved areas near parking.

In the Kipahulu District, the visitor center is accessible, with accessible parking spaces and restrooms connected by a paved path.

For visitors with visual impairments, park brochures in Braille are available to borrow at the Headquarters Visitor Center information desk. A transcript is also available for the backcountry orientation video.

The park roads are paved and accessible by standard vehicle, with designated accessible parking at visitor centers. Contact the park directly at (808) 572-4400 for current accessibility conditions, as volcanic weather and trail status can change. Visitors should be aware that the high altitude and cold temperatures at the summit require extra preparation regardless of ability level.

More accessible places in Hawaii

• Kaanapali Beach & Black Rock (Maui)
• Road to Hana (Maui)
• Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku)
• Bishop Museum (Honolulu)
• Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
• ʻIolani Palace (Honolulu)

Photo credits

• Haleakala National Park - hi-haleakalā-national-park-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Haleakala National Park - hi-haleakalā-national-park-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Haleakala National Park - hi-haleakalā-national-park-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)