Courtesy of Bruce Tuten via Flickr
This national park has two distinct and very different areas – the summit area and the Kipahulu coastal area.
Haleakala means “house of the sun,” and with a visit to the summit, you will see why. This volcano, which makes up 75% of Maui’s landmass, stands above the clouds at a towering elevation of 10,023 feet. It was here that ancient Hawaiians believed the demigod Maui lassoed the sun. Many visitors like to make the two-hour drive up the mountain during the pre-dawn hours and then watch the brilliant sunrise from its summit. If you don’t feel like waking up that early, Haleakala sunsets are said to be equally beautiful, and can be followed by some of the best stargazing in Hawaii. Even if your group doesn’t make it for sunrise or sunset, the drive up and down the mountain offers stunning views of the island anytime. At the top there are over 30 miles of hiking trails, which wind around and descend into the enormous crater at the summit. Hikers can see giant cinder cones, the endangered plant silversword, nene (Hawaiian geese), and miles and miles of red volcanic desert. For the adventurous, there are even horseback tours that descend into the crater. However you choose to visit the summit, make sure you wear warm clothing, as the temperature can dip down to 40 degrees!
Far from the volcano’s peak but still located within Haleakala National Park is the Kipahulu coastal area. Located about 10 miles south of Hana, this area’s lush rainforests and waterfalls are a striking contrast to the windy desert above. Visitors can see (or even swim in) the cascading pools of Oheo Gulch, then hike the beautiful Pipiwai trail. On this four mile hike, you will pass a giant banyan tree, see the 180-foot Makahiku waterfall, walk through bamboo forests, and end up at the majestic 400-foot Waimoku falls.
