Haleakala National Park

Introducing Haleakala National Park

No trip to Maui is complete without visiting this national park (www.nps.gov/hale; 3-day entry pass per car $10), containing the mighty volcano that gave rise to East Maui. The volcano’s floor measures a whopping 7.5 miles wide, 2.5 miles long and 3000ft deep – more than enough to swallow the entire isle of Manhattan. From its towering rim there are dramatic views of its lunarlike surface. But the adventure needn’t stop at the viewpoints – with a good pair of hiking boots you can walk down into the crater on trails that meander around eerie cinder cones, and peer up at towering walls.

For an unforgettable experience, arrive in time to see the sunrise – an event that Mark Twain called the ‘sublimest spectacle’ he’d ever seen. Check on weather conditions and sunrise times (808-877-5111) before driving up. Park headquarters (808-572-4400; 8am-4pm) can give you details on free guided hikes and nature talks.

Free tent camping is allowed at Hosmer Grove, near the main entrance (three-night maximum); no permit required. Permits (first come, first served, from the park headquarters) are required for the two backcountry campgrounds on the crater floor. There are primitive cabins in the crater, but demand is so high they hold a monthly lottery (write to Cabin Lottery Request, Haleakala National Park, Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 two months in advance).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009