At 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakala is Maui’s highest peak. In Hawaiian, Haleakala means “house of the sun,” which is appropriate since the best sunrises and sunsets are seen from its visitor center at the summit.
The park is comprised of more than 30,000 acres of public land across the ancient (and dormant) shield volcano, so you can go hiking, camping, and horseback riding across a range of natural environments that you might not imagine even exist in Hawaii.
Be sure to bring layers of clothes to adapt to the range of temperatures, as well. All park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee or present a valid park pass.
Summit viewings: Those who want to witness the famous sunrise at Haleakala’s Summit District must make reservations ahead of time. Reservations are not required for sunset or night sky viewing; however, parking is limited at the summit of Haleakala, especially at the visitor center.
Hiking: Discover more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of hiking trails in the Summit District, ranging from native shrubland to cinder desert. Due to the high elevation, the trails are considered strenuous and altitude sickness is common. Prepare for a variety of weather conditions and bring your own food and water. By law, hikers are required to stay on marked trails.