Would you want to go to probably the most stunning locations on earth? The subsequent time you’re in Hawaii, cease by the Haleakalā National Park for the chance of a lifetime!
With a panorama that options Mars-like pink deserts, rock gardens, waterfalls, and the well-known Road to Hana, this park is one you’ll want to go to!
Not positive the place to start? We’ve acquired you coated! Read on to study all in regards to the Haleakalā National Park and what to anticipate in your go to.
Where is Haleakalā National Park?
The Haleakalā National Park is positioned in Hawaii, on the island of Maui. The park itself is positioned in a dormant volcano bearing the identical title.
The park is separated into two distinct sections: the summit space and the coastal Kipalulu space. The park covers greater than 30,000 acres of land!
A History of Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā means House of the Sun in Hawaiian. The legend related to Haleakalā facilities round a demigod named Maui. The story goes that he took maintain of the solar and slowed its passage by means of the sky. This, in flip, made the times longer.
The Haleakalā National Park was initially a part of the Hawaiian National Park, established in 1916. It included Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, as nicely. However, in 1961 the Haleakalā National Park was made its personal separate nationwide park.
In 1980 the park was assigned as an International Biosphere Reserve.
The Visitor Centers
There are three customer facilities inside the park.
The Headquarters Visitor Center is a part of the summit space. It has a ranger station, restrooms, and water, and is wheelchair accessible. It additionally has a picnic space, a public phone, and a small exhibit.
The Haleakalā Visitor Center can be a part of the summit space and has a ranger station, restrooms, water, and a bookstore, and is wheelchair accessible. It additionally has beginning factors for the Pa Kaoao and the Keoneheehee Trails.
The Kipahulu Visitor Center is discovered alongside the coast within the Kipahulu District. It holds an info desk, reveals, and a bookstore. There are additionally restrooms at this location.
The Summits
Visiting the Summit District of Haleakalā National Park will take you anyplace from 1 ½ – 3 hours drive time, relying in your start line.
Hosmer Grove
This summit has an elevation of 6750 ft. It features a picnic space, a climbing path, and a water fountain. It is positioned one mile beneath the customer middle.
Halemauu Trailhead
The elevation for this summit is 7990 ft. Its options are climbing trails and restrooms. The Halemauu Trail begins right here. It’s additionally the ending level for the Keoneheehee Trail.
The Leleiwi Overlook
This summit incorporates a climbing path and boasts an elevation of 8840 ft. This space has a singular ecosystem that hosts uncommon native species of vegetation and uncommon or endangered species of animals.
The Kalahaku Overlook
This spot is ideal for catching a gorgeous view of the crater beneath however has no different actions out there. The elevation is available in at 9324 ft. Be warned — wait to see the view of the summit when you’ve parked. There’s a pointy curve on the street on the drive up, so that you’ll need to pay cautious consideration as you drive.
Puu Ulaula Summit
This summit is Haleakalā’s highest, coming in at 10,023 ft! It is wheelchair accessible and it offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings. It’s an important spot for stargazing or catching a sundown.
Interesting Facts About the Park
Climate
The climate alongside the summit could be unpredictable. Temperatures normally vary between 40-65 levels however can dip to freezing. Weather can change rapidly within the park. Be ready for sturdy daylight, excessive winds, heavy rain and clouds.
Along the Kipalulu space, the climate is normally a bit hotter, though rain can be widespread. Flash flooding is a chance. This space attracts significantly extra mosquitoes, as nicely.
Flora and Fauna
Because Hawaii is a connection of islands, most of the animal inhabitants can fly. Plenty of birds, bats, and bugs might be discovered within the park. There are additionally snails and spiders.
Native birds of Haleakalā National Park embrace the state hen the Hawaiian goose (the nēnē, proven beneath), the Hawaiian petrel, and several other different forest birds.
There are over 850 kinds of vegetation discovered inside the Haleakalā National Park. Visitors might be fascinated to know that over 300 species of vegetation aren’t discovered anyplace else on this planet. Over 400 species are native to the land. This park is house to mint vegetation, Haleakalā silverswords, Seussian na’ena’e vegetation, and bird-pollinated geraniums.
The Volcano of Haleakalā
Haleakalā is a defend volcano that makes up 75% of the island of Maui. It’s estimated that it final erupted between 1480-1600 A.D.
Things to Do in Haleakalā National Park
Hiking Trails
While there are various climbing trails already talked about alongside the summits, there are a number of favorites to think about.
A well-liked possibility for guests of Haleakalā National Park is climbing the paths behind the Kipahulu Visitor Center. These trails join with the Pipiwai Trail, the Kipahulu campground, and the O’heo Gulch Trail.
However, the Keoneheehee Trail is the most well-liked path to hike. It dips down into the crater ground. The hike to the crater ground is 3.9 miles a technique.
Be conscious that there are decrease oxygen ranges on the summit, which may trigger altitude illness.
As all the time with climbing, convey a number of water. There aren’t any distributors that promote water when you’re contained in the park.
Temperatures may dip on this space, so convey additional clothes to layer.
Not up for such a strenuous hike? There’s a shorter hike from the rim to a lookout space with a gorgeous view. This is beneficial for starting hikers or these with well being considerations.
Camping
There are two entrance nation campgrounds positioned exterior of the crater.
Kipahulu Campground is off the Hana Highway and has 21 assigned tenting websites. Be positive to order your spot beforehand so one is obtainable to be used while you arrive. This is an effective spot to see the Kukui Bay sundown, simply behind the campground.
Hosmer Grove Campground has no assigned campsites. But there may be an open subject the place campers can discover a spot and pitch a tent. It incessantly rains right here, so convey protecting rain gear. This campground is an effective spot to remain if you happen to journey to the Haleakalā Crater Sunrise spot.
Drive the Road to Hana
This is a favourite for guests of Haleakalā National Park. The Hana Highway is a one-lane street that winds by means of among the most attractive scenic views of Hawaii. Be conscious that this street is slender and could be tough to navigate.
The Road to Hana will take you alongside the southeast coast of Maui. It consists of entry roads to the Pipiwai Trail, the Kipahulu campground, the O’heo Gulch, the Waimoku Falls, and the Pools of O’heo.
It’s greatest to drive the Hana Highway on a transparent day with out the specter of rain. As acknowledged, this street is slender and troublesome to navigate in some areas, even in the perfect of climate. It’s vulnerable to flash floods, as nicely.
Having mentioned this, the perfect time to drive this street could be within the wintertime when there are fewer vacationers to take care of. Fewer vehicles on this street will make the expertise much less disturbing, so you may take the time to benefit from the view!
Things to Know Before You Visit Haleakalā National Park
Before you start your journey, make sure you may have a full gasoline tank. There are many areas inside the park to journey however no gasoline stations. You don’t need to run out of gasoline throughout your journey!
There’s an entrance charge of $30 per car to enter the Haleakalā National Park. However, you should purchase an America the Beautiful Pass on the entrance gate, which is able to enable entrance into all state parks.
Be ready for an journey with out cell service. Although you will get service in some spots, the service is spotty at greatest. Plan to not depend on your cellular phone for emergencies and pack accordingly.
You’ll want to recollect to convey good-quality sunscreen. This location is especially sunny and places guests at a better threat of sunburn! While you’re at it, pack some bug repellent.
Pack loads of snacks and water. There aren’t any meals distributors within the park, and also you don’t need to get caught climbing on an empty abdomen! Plan to pack a lunch and have a picnic alongside the way in which.
As with any nationwide or state park, contemplate following the Leave No Trace pointers to maintain the realm clear and welcoming for future guests!
Plan Your Visit
How to Get There
The most cost-effective possibility could be to catch a industrial flight into Honolulu after which jump over to Maui on one of many Hawaiian airways. Once you’re on the island, lease a automobile, and also you’ll be free to discover Haleakalā National Park at your leisure!
When to Go
Hawaii is a popular trip vacation spot, particularly throughout the summer time months. Plan to go to Haleakalā National Park throughout the winter months. The climate remains to be nice and heat, however you gained’t struggle as a lot site visitors or vacationers as you journey.
Enjoy Your Visit to Haleakalā National Park
You’re now prepared to go to probably the most stunning nationwide parks on this planet!
Interested in studying extra about tenting within the state of Hawaii? Visit our publish on 21 Best Places to go Camping in Hawaii!