Best Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park

Overview

Vacationers to Maui seriously miss the memo if they skip out on Haleakalā National Park. This Hawaiian volcano wows visitors with its stark moon-like crater and sub-tropical forests. With an elevation of 10,023 feet plummeting all the way to sea-level, it's incredibly diverse, with as many ecological zones as a road trip across North America. It's also home to more endangered species than any other U.S. national park site. In short — don't miss it! And even if you're not already in Hawaii, Haleakalā alone is worth the trip.

Getting Started

If you're already in Maui, consider renting a car to get to the summit of Haleakalā as there is no public transportation at time of writing.

Don't miss exploring the summit area of Haleakalā, and find information, suggestions and activities here. Sunrise is beautiful, but limited spaces are available, so book here up to two months in advance. There are also great hiking opportunities, and we suggest trekking across the crater. There are a couple first-come, first-served camping options for backpackers, and even three wilderness cabins. Just make sure to reserve well in advance. For car campers, enjoy one of the first-come, first-served spots at the Kīpahulu or Hosmer Grove campgrounds.

Cycling down Haleakalā is a blast, and can be done by yourself or through a guided tour. Just make sure to have good brakes for all those hair-pin turns.

If you're doing a through-hike down the backside of Haleakala, make sure to arrange a shuttle with a friend, or try your luck at hitchhiking back to civilization. Just use extra caution, as this area is far less trafficked and can be difficult to access in the case of an emergency.

When to Go

Visit Haleakala year-round. Find hours of operation, here.

Permits

Like most national parks, permits are required and can be purchased at the park.

Dog Info

Dogs are only permitted on a leash within campgrounds and parking lots, but not on any trails.