Haleakalā National Park Itinerary for 2024

Maui is known for its pristine beaches and upscale resorts. But, it’s also home to one of Hawaii’s two US National Parks. Haleakalā is named for the mountain and the park offers some pretty amazing experiences. It’s fun to see how diverse this island is. This post will go through everything you need to know to help you plan your Haleakalā National Park itinerary.

Some of the links on the page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from one of the links, I earn money at no extra cost to you. I’ll only recommend brands I’ve used and love (or an alternative I would book myself). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I always pay for my own travel. I’ll be sure to let you know if that ever changes. If you choose to click through and purchase – thanks so much for the support!

Fun Things about Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā means “house of the sun”. The Hawaiian story goes that Maui climbed to the top of Haleakalā to lasso the sun and make it go slower.

Haleakalā was and continues to be, a sacred place for Hawaiians. One of my favorite things is that great care is taken to represent the native people and cultures that loved these places long before they were ‘discovered”. The same is true of Volcanoes National Park.

The park is also incredibly diverse. There are multiple ecosystems since the park covers the summit of Haleakalā all the way down to the water. The number of plants and animals found here is incredible; including several that can only be found in Haleakalā.

It holds more endangered species than any other US National Park! It’s definitely worth visiting.

A Note about Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is real here! Drink lots of water and take it easy on the hikes. You may find yourself needing to go slower to catch your breath on hikes that wouldn’t normally bother you. It’s fine- just take your time and pay attention to your body.

Two Areas in Haleakalā

One very important thing to note is that there are two areas in Haleakalā National Park. This post covers them both.

First, there is the summit district of the park. This is what it sounds like; the top of the mountain and the area surrounding it.

The second area is the Kīpahulu District. This district is at the far end of the Road to Hana.

Most of this post will be about the Summit district. There will be a whole section at the end for the Kīpahulu District though!

Haleakalā National Park Itinerary Overview -Summit District

Spending a day in the Summit District is easy! Plan to start your day at the top of the summit. This can be at sunrise if you get a reservation or you can start later in the day.

Explore the summit and admire the landscape on your way up to the top. Hike Pa Ka’oao and to the first overlook of Keonehe‘ehe‘e. You’ll get some amazing views of the crater! Visit the Haleakalā Visitor Center on the summit before heading down.

Then, stop at the Kalahaku and Leleiwi overlooks. Each is a different perspective and this is a place where you want as many views as possible!

Head back down the road and stop at Hosmer Grove for a very different ecosystem. The hike is quick but still worth it. You can learn a lot about the indigenous trees and plants. Plus, there are lots of birds you can hear (or maybe see).

Haleakalā National Park Itinerary Overview- Kīpahulu

To be honest, your Haleakalā itinerary in the Kīpahulu district depends a great deal on what you want to see on the Road to Hana

The Pools of ‘Ohe’o are an absolute must-see. It’s a drive past Hana to get to the park but the pools are worth it.

If you can’t get permits for the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa then part, or all, of the Pīpīwai Trail could be a good alternative.

But, it’s hot and humid. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and lots of water if you’re hiking Pīpīwai.

Things to Include on your Haleakalā National Park Itinerary

There are so many great things to see in both areas of the park. We’ll start with things to do in the summit district.

Sunrise

Sunrise at Haleakalā is so popular you’ll need to get a reservation well in advance. To see the sunrise you’ll have to leave very early. Most places are a 2-hour drive from the park. So, a 5:30 am sunrise means leaving your hotel by 3:30 am at the very latest. I’d leave earlier; this is popular so there will be traffic.

The catch is that if the weather doesn’t cooperate you may miss out on the spectacular view. But, if the weather cooperates (and you can handle the crowd and wake-up time) you’ll have an incredible experience!

The most popular spot to view the sunrise is at the very top of the mountain because you have the option to see the sunrise above the clouds. For this head to Pu’u‘ula‘ula (the observatory at the top of the mountain).

Check sunrise times before your trip so you can plan accordingly.

Sunset

Sunset is still beautiful but it isn’t so popular that you need a reservation to experience it. This is also lovely because you don’t have the super early wake-up time.

To see the sunset, head to the very top of the mountain well before sunset. There is limited parking so you’ll want to be there early to secure a spot.

The parking lots close when they’re full and since there isn’t a reservation system there is no limit to the number of people who can enter the park.

Again, if the weather doesn’t cooperate you could have a view full of clouds. But, you could see a spectacular sunset above the clouds. Even if you aren’t at the top of the mountain you can still catch an incredible view!

Stargazing

Haleakalā is the highest point on the island. Add to it that the island chain is the most isolated one on Earth and you’ve got the perfect recipe for stargazing.

The altitude means the skies are clear and the island is also free of a lot of light pollution you get in other places.

So, stargazing can be spectacular.

But, most of us don’t travel with stargazing gear. So, for the best stargazing line up your visit with a ranger-led Star Program. Or, at least download a star gazing app to help you know what you’re looking at.

Silverswords

Silverswords are seen in the summit district of the park. These delicate plants are endangered and are only found in this area of Haleakalā. They are such a special plant to inspect.

Take pictures but don’t touch them.

Visit the Crater

The crater at Haleakalā is around 75% of the total land mass of Maui. So, it’s pretty massive.

Explore the Summit

The summit of Haleakalā has the potential for incredible views. It’s also just interesting to experience. Even if you aren’t going up for sunrise, sunset, or stargazing it’s worth the trip to the top.

Kalahaku Overlook

Plan to spend some time visiting some of the pull-offs.

Don’t just drive to the top and then head back down; you’d miss so much that’s worth seeing.

For example, at Kalahaku you’ll see one of the best views of the crater.

Leleiwi Overlook

This .3-mile hike leads you to a viewpoint where you can see the crater and the ocean.

See the Visitor Centers

There are two visitor centers in Haleakalā National Park. One is at the top of the mountain at the summit. There are hiking trails here that are worth doing.

The other visitor center is at the bottom of the hill. The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is the best place to stop to learn a bit more about the park. Plus, there are restrooms you can use after your long drive to the park.

Hosmer Grove

At the entrance to the national park, you’ll find Hosmer Grove. This is toward the base of the mountain and provides a very different environment than the summit. Stop here to explore and notice the diversity in the park.

Hikes to Consider in Haleakalā’s Summit District

There are miles of hikes in the summit district. These are a few to consider adding to your Haleakalā National Park itinerary.

Pa Ka’oao

.4 Mile Round Trip
100 ft Elevation Change
Trailhead- Haleakalā Visitor Center

This is a short hike but it’s steep! As long as you go slowly you should be fine but the altitude sickness can get you on this hike.

At the top of the hill, there are views of an ancient shelter and wall.

Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands)

.5 mile Round Trip to first overlook (lots of options beyond that)
50 ft of Elevation change to the first overlook
Trailhead- Haleakalā Visitor Center

This trail isn’t too bad and it’s very popular! Even if you don’t want to hike the whole trail you should consider hiking out to the first overlook. The view of the crater is worth the short hike.

Take care to stay on the trail; the ground and plants are really fragile at the top of the mountain.

Leleiwi Overlook

.3 mile round trip
100 ft elevation change
Trailhead- Across the road from the overlook parking lot

This trail is a relatively short walk up to the viewpoint of the crater. If you do one hike in the park this is the one I’d recommend.

But you should do more than one short hike!

Halemau‘u Trail

2.2 miles round trip
400 ft elevation change
Trailhead- Halemau‘u Trailhead

This is another trail where you can do parts of it or decide to do the whole thing. Consider hiking to Rainbow Bridge or one of the crater overlooks.

This is a longer hike so it could be too much for you depending on your speed, how early you got to the park, and how long you want your day to be.

Hosmer Grove

.54 mile loop trail
50ft of elevation change

This little hike is unlike the others because it is through trees! Homer Grove is at the base of the mountain. It is an interesting nature hike because you can see the native trees and the invasive trees and compare them.

This is also an excellent hike for birdwatching.

Things to Do in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park

At the far end of the Road to Hana, drive past the city of Hana to find the other side of Haleakalā National Park. The Kīpahulu District is a bit smaller than the other side of the park. There are two main things to do here on a day trip. Both are hikes and both start at the visitor center.

If this is your first entry point to Haleakalā National Park you’ll need to purchase your entrance pass (if you didn’t do it online). Otherwise, be sure to have your annual pass or Haleakalā pass with you so you don’t have to pay the entrance fee again.

Remember, the park is cashless.

Kūloa Point Trail

.5-mile
80 ft of elevation change

This is the most well-known trail in the Kīpahulu District because it’s the trail to the Pools of ‘Ohe’o, also known as the seven sacred pools.

The trail is short and easy but you’ll want to get there early. If you aren’t staying in Hana start your drive on the road to Hana as soon as the sun is up and head straight to the park.

Arriving around 9 am in the winter meant there weren’t crowds yet but it was busy by 10 am. But, the park is open 24 hours a day so you can go even earlier. The visitor center opens at 9 am.

Hike down the easy trail to the pools and spend time admiring them. Take care near the edge. You can’t swim in the pools because the surf is quite strong and some of the protective bits were knocked out in a storm so it’s not safe to swim in the pools.

This is one of the best views in Hawaii.

Even though the hike is short it’s still quite warm.

Pīpīwai Trail

4 miles roundtrip
800 Ft of elevation change

This trail is more of a commitment and may not be one you can make on a quick day trip. It depends on what else you want to do on the Road to Hana.

But, there are some viewpoints along the way.

.5 mile in you can see Makahiku Falls.

1 mile in you come to the bamboo forest.

Waimoku Falls is a 185 ft waterfall at the end of the trail.

Getting to Haleakalā

Haleakalā, like many national parks, isn’t close to the main cities on the island. But, it’s still worth the drive out to the park.

It’s very doable to visit Haleakalā in one day. But, there is a fair bit of driving to make that happen.

From the Resort Area

From the resort area around Wailea expect the drive up to the visitor center to take an hour and fifteen minutes. It will take longer to get to the summit.

From Lahaina

Lahaina is on the opposite side of the island from Halekala. But, since the island is actually quite small it doesn’t take too much longer to get to the park from Lahaina than it does from Wailea.

Expect an hour and 20 minutes or a bit longer from Lahaina.

From Kahului

Kahului is the part of the island near the airport. It isn’t the most touristy and there are some affordable places to stay here.

The drive from Kahului takes about an hour.

A Note about Haleakalā and Motion Sickness

One glance at the map on Google and you can tell that the road to Halekala’s summit is curvy. What you can’t see is the drop-offs on the side of the road in some places.

It felt very safe the whole time but it’s worth noting.

If someone in your party gets motion sick (my husband) take all of the things you need and plan to make stops as you can.

Motion sickness doesn’t usually bother him when he’s driving but we took a few stops on this road to keep him feeling his best!

Other Details for Planning Your Haleakalā National Park Itinerary

Fees

It is $30 per car to visit the park. Your pass lasts for 7 days.

You can buy your pass online or when you enter the park. If there isn’t a ranger present there is an automated pay machine for you to use.

The park is cashless as of 2023.

Hours

The park is open 24 hours a day. But, to enter the park between 3 am and 7 am you need a reservation. Sunrise at the summit is popular! If you want to see sunrise in the park you can get your reservation up to 60 days in advance.

Can you visit Haleakalā in a Day?

Yes and no. You can visit each area of Haleakalā in one day. It just needs to be two different days. So, plan one day for the summit district of the park and another to drive the Road to Hana down to the Kīpahulu District.

One day in each is sufficient unless you want to do a lot of hiking (or backpacking). Then you’ll need longer.

It’s worth it to see both sides of the park if you can.

What Should I Wear and Pack for Haleakalā?

My Essentials for National Park Trips

Great Hiking Shoes. I love Chacos sandals AND my Timberland boots. I really hate hiking boots so it’s high praise for these Timberlands! Chacos pro tip- don’t be tempted by the 3-string option. They are impossible to adjust.

Thick, comfortable socks to keep my boots from rubbing my feet. As a bonus, I can wear them with my Chacos like a total dork for that weird “not quite warm enough” weather.

My Osprey Day Pack. I’ve had it for years. I have no intention of ever getting another day pack.

Binoculars are a must. Every time I forget them I regret it.

My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.

My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is the best rain jacket.

In addition to my typical favorites (listed above) be sure to bring layers! You’ll notice in my pictures I had a hat and a puffer coat. It was windy and cold at the top of the mountain! But, as you get closer to the base of the mountain the weather heats up.

So, bring all of the layers!

Where to Eat in Haleakalā?

There are no restaurants or food in the park.

Stop by a grocery store and pack a picnic lunch. Pro tip- open your bags of chips before you head up the mountain. The air pressure changes and the bags could pop. I didn’t expect it but almost had a problem!

Where to Sleep

The Wailea area of the island is incredible. It’s worth the hype.

The Grand Wailea is my all-time favorite hotel property. It’s a splurge unless you have Hilton points.

But, it’s amazing. They did a great job with Celiac-safe food. I had an acai bowl for breakfast each morning and a Caesar salad for lunch some days.

But, we ate off-property a lot since there were great gluten-free options in Maui.

The first season of White Lotus was filmed at the nearby Four Seasons. But, the beach is the same so you get a good laugh watching the show after visiting.

For a more affordable option check out the Maui Coast Hotel.

Aston Maui Hill is the best pick for apartment-style options. There are more apartment options in Lahaina.

Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā is open year round so you can visit whenever you’d like.

But, the winter season sees the most tourists and has the best weather.

But, if you can handle the heat and humidity your Haleakalā National Park itinerary would likely be cheaper in the summer.

Plan your Haleakalā National Park Itinerary

Haleakalā National Park is an amazing park. Spend a day wandering the park and admiring the landscape. It’s so different than Volcanoes National Park even though they’re in the same state. It’s worth visiting both.

Let me know how your trip goes after your visit!