About
Haleakala National Park is located on the southeast side of the island of Maui in Hawaii, United States. The park covers an area of 52 square miles (135.6 sq km), of which approximately two-thirds of that is classified as a wilderness area. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the “Big Island” is the only other national park in Hawaii.
The park features two separate sections which include the Haleakala summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area. They are accessed separately and are not connected.
Haleakala is a dormant volcano that is responsible for the creation of the island of Maui. The name of the mountain and park are from the Hawaiian word Haleakala, which translates “house of the sun.”
The Haleakala Crater has become more of an eroded valley, however, like a crater, it is 6.99 miles (11.25km) long, 2.0 miles (3.2 km) wide, and reaches a depth of 2,600 feet (790 m). Cinder cones can be found within the crater area.
A long scenic drive gives easy access to the summit along with views of the area along the way or as you return back down since the trip up was more than likely in the dark going up. If you are driving and not part of an excursion, make sure you leave about 30 minutes early than whatever time they tell you to leave by. The journey up can become quite a traffic jam. Early up also lets you get better seating in the hut if desired.
One of the fun excursions to participate in is to take a group trip up in vans while towing bicycles. You watch the sunrise and then ride bikes down the mountain. For all practical purposes, you will only coast down with little to no pedaling.
Kipahulu is accessed from a second separate from the summit drive that travels along the coastline. As part of the Kipahulu Valley, this area protects the rainforest and endemic species. It is recognized as the Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve. There are over 24 pools that contain native freshwater fish.
The national park is home to more endangered species than in any other national park in the United States, however, the majority of these are not typical wildlife. The only native reptiles are sea turtles and the only native mammals are whales and the seal.
Photos
Things to See
Haleakala reaches a summit of 10,023 feet (3,055 m) and is the highest point in Hawaii. It has another 19,680 feet (5,998 m) below the water which makes it collectively taller than 
Things To Do
Engaging Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park Trails
The national park has over 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails making it easy for people to explore the coastal rainforest and the terrain of Haleakala.
FAQ’s
What is Haleakala National Park known for?
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking sunrises.
The park is centered around the Haleakalā volcano, a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the island of Maui. Its name translates to “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, and visitors flock to the summit of Haleakalā to witness spectacular sunrise views above the clouds.
The park also encompasses a unique wilderness area featuring volcanic craters, cinder cones, and lush rainforests teeming with endemic plant and animal species.
Additionally, Haleakalā National Park offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
What is Haleakala National Park known for?
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking sunrises.
The park is centered around the Haleakalā volcano, a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the island of Maui. Its name translates to “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, and visitors flock to the summit of Haleakalā to witness spectacular sunrise views above the clouds.
The park also encompasses a unique wilderness area featuring volcanic craters, cinder cones, and lush rainforests teeming with endemic plant and animal species.
Additionally, Haleakalā National Park offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Sources
- All Trails, Best Trails in Haleakala National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/hawaii/maui/haleakala-national-park, retrieved June 2020.
- Britannica, Haleakala, https://www.britannica.com/place/Haleakala, retrieved June 2020.
- Britannica, Haleakala National Park, https://www.britannica.com/place/Haleakala-National-Park, retrieved June 2020.
- Go Hawaii, Haleakala National Park, https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui/regions/upcountry-maui/haleakala-national-park, retrieved June 2020.
- Hawaii Guide, Haleakala National Park, https://www.hawaii-guide.com/maui/sights/haleakala_national_park, retrieved June 2020.
- Moon, Best Haleakala Hikes, https://www.moon.com/travel/national-parks/best-haleakala-hikes/, retrieved June 2020.
- National Geographic, Complete National Parks of the United States, National Geographic Publishing, Washington DC.
- National Geographic, Guide to the National Parks of the United States, National Geographic Society, 2003.
- National Geographic, National Parks of North America, Canada-United States-Mexico, National Geographic Society, 1995.
- National Park Service, Haleakala, https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm, retrieved June 2020.