Haleakalā National Park

A volcanic summit above the clouds on Maui.

Sunrise reservations made this crater famous. The summit is cold, lunar, and not a beach day. The Kīpahulu (Kipahula) coast section is a different park entirely: waterfalls and pools Hawaii.

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Location

20.72° N, 156.16° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

Year-round; sunrise slots book out

Trip planner

A Haleakalā National Park itinerary

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Field guide

Haleakalā National Park is a U.S. National Park in Hawaii. A volcanic summit above the clouds on Maui.

When to go

Year-round; sunrise slots book out is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with summit sunrise only with a reservation. Then sliding Sands into the crater if you have legs. If you have a second day, kīpahulu pools and Pipiwai Trail. Keep one spare hour for a sunset that does not require the sunrise lottery.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

The summit is often 30–40°F colder than the coast. Bring a real jacket.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Pilar V.

10/10

Start early in Haleakalā National Park

Kīpahulu pools and Pipiwai Trail. A sunset that does not require the sunrise lottery. Give Haleakalā National Park days, not hours, and go in Year-round; sunrise slots book out. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Oct 6, 2025

Mia T.

10/10

Haleakalā National Park is bigger than the postcard

Sliding Sands into the crater if you have legs. A volcanic summit above the clouds on Maui. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. Year-round; sunrise slots book out is the window I would book again.

Sep 5, 2025

Yui K.

8/10

Start early in Haleakalā National Park

Summit sunrise only with a reservation. Sliding Sands into the crater if you have legs. Give Haleakalā National Park days, not hours, and go in Year-round; sunrise slots book out. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Aug 4, 2025