Established in 1961, Haleakalā National Park protects some 33,000 acres of the volcano. One of America’s premier National Parks, it’s one of the premier hiking destinations on Maui with several difficult trails. At over 10,000’ in elevation, it’s unlike anywhere else on Maui. Temperatures can dip to freezing, and snow is possible in winter.

Haleakalā’s “crater” actually isn’t a crater — it’s the result of two large erosional valleys that merged at the summit of the volcano. So, it’s technically not a caldera or crater, although it was all formed by volcanic activity. By the way, Haleakalā isn’t extinct, but dormant, having erupted several times over the past 900 years.

This website has four difficult hikes in Haleakalā National Park:

  • Sliding Sands Trail: This long hike visits many of the premier features on the crater floor.

  • Halemau’u Trail: This trail traces the contours of the cliff walls of the crater before terminating at a loop for viewing ʻāhinahina (Haleakalā silverswords), and endangered species.

  • Skyline Trail: This hike begins inside the National Park, but soon enters state land. It’s a compelling hike with magnificent views along the southwest flanks of Haleakalā.

  • Keonehe’ehe’e to Halemau’u: This one-way hike through Haleakalā crater requires you to hitchhike back to the place you began.

  • Supply Trail: This moderate hike travels from near the Visitor Center up to the Halemau’u Trail.

  • Hosmer Grove Loop Trail: This very short loop travels through a forest with diverse tree and bird species.

Maui Hikes also features another hike in the detached portion of Haleakalā National Park, accessed south of Hāna on Hwy. 360:

  • Kīpahulu District: This is probably the best waterfall hike on Maui, and an opportunity to explore the southeast coastline of Maui.

Fee:

  • Private Vehicle: $25. Valid for 3 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 pax capacity or less) and all occupants to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas.

  • Motorcycle: $20. Valid for 3 days. Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas.

  • Per Person: $12. Valid for 3 days. Admits one individual with no car to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas - typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

Sunrise Restrictions: Access to the park is by permit only from 3am to 7am. This also applies to hikers, even if you aren’t viewing sunrise.

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