Haleakala National Park

Location

Maui's Haleakala National park is a hiker's true paradise and a nature seeker's haven. It is a place where the culture of Maui and the Hawaiian Islands echo amongst the mountain ranges and valley floors. The rich nature of the park offers visitors the chance to experience volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical rain forests and the rare opportunity to come face to face with some of nature's endangered species of plants and animals. Some of the many species of plants and animals that can be found in the park are not found anywhere else in the world.

There are generally three ways of touring or hiking the Haleakala National Park. These are; touring the Summit Area of the park, touring the Wilderness Area, or touring the Kipahulu Area of the park. Both the Summit and Wilderness areas of the park are the mountainous areas, while the Kipahulu Area represents the coastal region of the park.

The colorful and sculptured Summit Area of Haleakala National Park represents Maui's highest peak, standing at 10, 023 feet high. While a visit to the top leaves one with the feeling of floating on clouds, many visitors and locals hike to the top of the summit to experience the breathtaking sunrise or sunset that it offers. Many of the rare native birds and plants, seen nowhere else, are often spotted in this area of the park. Hikers to the summit can enjoy an adventurous hike while exploring the landscapes or observing the rare life forms that can be found. Hiking the Summit Area of Haleakala National Park is truly a hiking experience that is second to none.

The campgrounds of the Wilderness Area present a hiker with the opportunity of hiking overnight on the grounds of the park. Overnight campers with camping permits may camp overnight in tents or elect to reserve one of three historic cabins (reserve at least days in advance).

The self-guided Kipahulu Area represents the coastal area of the Haleakala National Park. It has been known to be the habitual grounds for many generations of native people. Natural freshwater pools and streams can be found amongst the trails of this area and these are often used for swimming. A popular stream used for swimming is the Oheo Stream. Picnic areas and public restrooms are also available. If you are interested in seeing some of Maui’s waterfalls, take a trek on the Kuloa Loop trail that starts at the stream, and which leads to several waterfalls along its path.

The trip should take approximately 1.5 hours to reach the summit from Kahului and most surrounding areas, driving at a steady 30mph. Parking lots are available but will be closed when full or to capacity. There are no streetlights on the road to and from the top of the summit. Allow for enough driving time to compensate for this and to avoid any additional delays due to weather conditions or reduced visibility.

• Make sure to bring enough food and drinking water for your hiking trip as there are no stores within the area.
• The high altitudes of the summit may pose a health risk to some. Walk at a slow or reduced pace and keep an eye on children or the elderly.
• Bring mosquito repellents or bug sprays.
• Wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or sneakers.

Weather:
Weather conditions in the park may vary dramatically depending on your location in the park and the time of day. Temperatures do fluctuate from the top of the summit to the coastal areas and could vary by as much as a 40+ degree difference at times. Be prepared for temperatures at the top of the summit to potentially fall below freezing in the mornings prior to sunrise and late evenings after sunset. Also be prepared for the occasional flash flood and windy conditions.

Directions:
From Kahului to Summit ( ~ 1.5 hrs) – Take Route 37 to Route 377, then hop onto Route 378. From Kahului to Kipahulu (~ 3 hrs) – Take Route 36 to Route 360, then hop onto Route 31

Cost

• Private vehicle, up to 14 people - $10 for three days
• Motorcycle, or individual - $5 for 3 days
• Children, under 15 yrs old – free
• Special discounts are available to seniors, the disabled and military personnel.