Mt. Haleakala

You might think you’re walking on Mars at Mt. Haleakala—the 10,023 feet (3,055 meters)summit is a dusty, intensely colorful landscape that is simply otherworldly. Mt Haleakala’s size is enormous, when you stand atop Maui’s largest volcanic mountain you’ll find it difficult to express such beauty! “Haleakala” in Hawaiian means “House of the Rising Sun”.

Haleakala National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for severe weather closures. Locals and visitors love catching an early—and chilly—morning sunrise above the clouds. Hikers can enjoy two outstanding trails: the Halemauu trail and the Sliding Sands trail. Astronomers enjoy one of the best locations in the world for studying the universe at the Haleakala Observatory.

On the slopes of Mt. Haleakala, a dormant shield volcano, are organic and natural farms like Shims Coffee and Surfing Goat Dairy Farm. Small towns like Makawao and Kula Town offer unique experience of the Maui lifestyle.

History

In 1828, the first recorded ascent of Mt. Haleakala by non-Hawaiians was made. Polynesians arrive to the Hawaiian Islands circa 400 A.D., and are believed to have inhabited Mt. Haleakala around 900 A.D.

The first permanent ranger was stationed at Haleakala National Park in 1935, and a year later the Haleakala Visitors Center was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Work Project Administration (WPA).

• Location: Maui
• Insider Tip: If you’re driving to the summit, fill your gas tank up, bring food and drink, and don’t forget a warm sweater or jacket!
• Fun Fact: Haleakala National Park was established in 1916, just one week after the National Park Service was founded!
• What To Expect: Be prepared to pay a small fee to enter Haleakala National Park (it’s about $5 and typically valid for 3 days).