National Park

Haleakalā National Park

National Park★ 4.9
Silversword plants bloom along the barren Haleakalā Crater floor with distant volcanic cones visible in Haleakalā National Park.

This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons for fewer crowds; plan sunrise with reservations; otherwise mid-morning entries reduce risk of parking issues

Highlights

Why Visit
The park spans a colossal volcanic crater at 9,740 feet and a lush coastal rainforest on the Kipahulu side, delivering a contrast you won’t forget. Its scale embodies dynamic climate zones, from freezing summit winds to tropical humidity along the coast, offering a rigorous, data-driven environment for understanding high-elevation geology and ecosystems. The Kipahulu District integrates cultural and natural landscapes, with trails and campgrounds that support purposeful exploration in a protected setting.
Top Things To Do
Visit the Summit overlook; explore Kipahulu District coastline; camp only in designated areas; backcountry permits for longer treks

Areas to plan around

Summit District
Haleakalā Summit, crater overlooks, high-altitude weather extremes
Kīpahulu District
Coastal rainforest, Haleakalā coastline, Kipahulu Visitor Center
Hosmer Grove Area
In-park campground access, basic services nearby
Park Headquarters Corridor
Visitor Centers, Permits Desk, ranger-led programs

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui
Getting There Driving Distances
From Kahului to Summit District entrance is roughly 40 miles; allow 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and weather
Getting There Entrances
Summit District entrance gate; Kipahulu District entrance near Hana
Getting Around Shuttles
No required shuttle for internal travel; driving is standard within the park
Getting Around Reservations
Sunrise reservations booked 60 days in advance on Recreation.gov; $1 per vehicle; released at 7:00 a.m. HST; reservations do not guarantee parking
Getting Around Parking
Haleakalā Summit parking is limited; arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise; for sunset, arrive three hours prior; expect delays due to water project

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
In-park camping only; Hosmer Grove Campground and Kipahulu Campground require reservations
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Hosmer Grove Campground; Kipahulu Campground
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Kahului; Paia; Makawao; Hana

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Nēnē and ʻuaʻu may be on or near roads; drive at posted speeds; keep distance from wildlife; bear spray not needed
Safety Weather
Summit weather is volatile: temperatures can be 20°F cooler than sea level with high winds and fast-changing clouds; cell service is unavailable in the crater
Safety Altitude
9,740 ft (Summit elevation at Haleakalā Visitor Center)
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out what you pack in; stay on designated trails; minimize impact in fragile environments
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry camping requires permits obtainable at the Park Headquarters Visitor Center
Wildlife Overview
Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) and ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) are present near roads; observe from a distance
Wildlife Where To See
Roadways and overlooks; Kipahulu area offers coastal viewing zones
Wildlife Safety
Keep distance from all wildlife; do not feed; move slowly around animals

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Summit (if access allows) or Kipahulu coastal drive; Day 2: Kipahulu trails and waterfall; Day 3: Flexible backcountry or closure-compliant activities
Entrance Hacks
No automatic parking guarantees with sunrise reservations; arrive before 6:30 a.m. to maximize access; consider Kipahulu for daylight access if Summit is restricted
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE offers closer proximity to Kipahulu and coastal access; EAST SIDE provides easier access to Summit facilities when roads are open; plan multi-site stays when possible
Crowd Calendar
July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers; September offers relative crowd relief; June can be snowy for limited access to full road
Tips Advice
  • Buy the pass online
  • Sunrise reservations required
  • Don’t feed wildlife
  • Arrive early for summit parking

More details

Park Code
hale
Tagline
Haleakalā National Park — Summit Crater and Kipahulu District
Entrance Fee
$25.00 - Entrance - Motorcycle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Vehicle $30; walk-ins/cyclists $15 (ages 16+); motorcycles $25; digital passes via Recreation.gov; America the Beautiful passes waive fees
Nearby Services
Gas and medical services concentrated in Kahului and Paia; plan fuel and supplies ahead
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger programs and kid-friendly overlooks available; supervise children near road edges
Accessibility
Limited ADA-accessible facilities; Summit area is high-elevation and rugged in places
Photography Tips
Position scanners safely at overlooks; avoid blocking traffic; protect gear from cold and wind
When To Visit Peak Season
July is the busiest period; expect crowded conditions and early parking fills; plan ahead for sunrise access
When To Visit Shoulder Season
April–May and September–October
When To Visit Winter
Summit temperatures often drop below freezing with strong winds; be prepared for rapidly changing weather
When To Visit Road Opening
Crater Road to the Summit is closed indefinitely; no announced opening date; Kipahulu District remains accessible
Weather Averages
Cool to cold at the summit; warm near coastal Kipahulu; large diurnal swings
Weather Precipitation
Variable precipitation; summit can see snow; frequent showers along the Kipahulu coast
Weather Info
On any given day, the temperatures in the park can range from a high of 80°F (27°C) in Kīpahulu to a low of 30°F (-1°C) at the summit. In either area clouds and rain can quickly replace warm sunshine. Weather in the high-elevation summit and wilderness areas of the park is highly unpredictable and changes often. Cool temperatures, intense solar radiation, and rapidly moving clouds are characteristic. On average, the temperature drops about 3°F for every 1,000 foot rise in elevation.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Warm layers, water, sun protection, sturdy footwear
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; bring wool/synthetic layers; windproof jacket; gloves
Review Summary
Visitors encounter long sunrise lines and limited parking; the summit road closure shifts traffic and timing; Kipahulu offers coastal scenery and rainforest experiences with fewer access constraints

Location

'Ahinahina blooms in Haleakala craterWaimoku waterfall in the park's Kipahulu DistrictThe Pools of ?Ohe?o in the park's Kipahulu DistrictSun setting over the volcano crater and horizon

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation to enter the Summit District?

Sunrise viewing requires a reservation for the Summit District (3:00–7:00 a.m.); reservations can be made 60 days in advance on Recreation.gov and cost $1 per vehicle; parking is not guaranteed.

Is Crater Road open to the summit?

No. Crater Road to the Summit is closed indefinitely; Kipahulu District remains accessible.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are allowed only in Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu campgrounds, along roads, and in parking areas; they must be on a 6-foot leash or in a vehicle; not allowed on trails or in backcountry.

What about camping?

Camping is allowed only in designated areas; reservations are required for Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu Campgrounds; backcountry camping requires permits from the Park Headquarters Visitor Center.

What facilities exist at the summit?

Visitor centers at the Summit provide restrooms and information; water is available at the Park Headquarters; cell service is limited or unavailable in the crater.

See all

Hana

Rainforest town on the edge. Morning's peaceful, midday's busy with Road to Hana traffic. 18.7 km east.

Kahului

Big airport, bigger shopping. Last real stop before the volcano—fuel up, stock up, crash here.

Makawao

Authentic cowboy town with local eateries and mountain cool. Limited lodging—book early.

Wailuku

County seat with Main Street charm. Gateway to Iao Valley's historic sites and Iao Needle.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.