Ultimate Haleakala National Park Map & Itinerary
Haleakala means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian and is home to one of the world's largest volcanic craters. Haleakala's peak is just over 10,000 feet elevation, which allows you to feel as though you can touch the sun as you watch the clouds pass by beneath your feet. With that being said, the peak on Haleakala makes for a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. While there are many different ways to experience Haleakala National Park, we have outlined our favorite way below in our perfect day trip guide to Haleakala National Park including a Haleakala National Park Map within our curated Maui GoogleMaps. However you plan your trip, Haleakala National Park is certainly worth visiting on your next trip to Maui Hawaii.
Fun Fact
Haleakala National Park is home to more endangered species than any other national park.
Table of Contents
7:00am: Sunrise at Haleakala
Have you ever seen the sun rise over an ocean of white, puffy clouds? Haleakala summit may be one of your only chances to witness this spectacular phenomenon. Of course, check your local weather app for the exact time of the sunrise on the day you plan on going to Haleakala summit. We recommend planning to get to the summit at least 30 minutes prior to the sunrise. This will allow you ample time to find parking, and make your way to a viewing platform.
The Haleakala sunrise has become so popular that the National Park now REQUIRES RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME. The purpose of these reservations is not a money-making scheme (reservations are only $1 per vehicle), but rather a way to minimize the crowds at the Haleakala summit where there is already limited parking. Entering the park between 3am and 7am requires reservations at recreation.gov.
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How to get tickets:
60 days prior to your desired Haleakala day trip, request a reservation at recreation.gov (this is a national park website).
Reservation Cost: $1 non-refundable per vehicle (not per person)
Required: To enter the park between 3am-7am, you must show your reservation confirmation email and photo ID at the park booth upon entry. Additionally, you must also pay an entrance fee upon arrival to gain access to Haleakala National Park.
Once in the park, make your way to the summit building (10,023 feet elevation). From the park entrance booth it is 11 miles to the summit building and takes roughly 30 minutes to drive the switchbacks up the volcano. Use caution as the roads are narrow without any shoulders or barricades and you will be making this drive while it is dark.
J&L Tip: Bring layers and warm clothes (hat, gloves, & insulated jacket) for optimal comfort while watching the sunrise. You may not be thinking about winter clothing while planning your trip to Maui, however, the average temperature at the Haleakala summit around sunrise can be below freezing!
8:00am: Sliding Sands Hike
After admiring the breathtaking colors of the Haleakala sunrise, head down to the Haleakala Visitors Center to start the Keonehe'ehe'e Trail (more popularly known as "Sliding Sands"). Sliding Sands is one of the top hikes in Haleakala National Park and is an 11 mile out & back trail with 2,795 feet in elevation gain. Although strenuous, do not let the mileage scare you away from this trail.
We hiked this trail down into the crater for about 2 miles until we approached a beautiful lookout. We took in the breathtaking views, vibrant colors, and awe-inspiring terrain at this vantage point and then turned around to begin our climb back out of the crater. Although I am sure all 5.5 miles of this trail are spectacular, we felt that we were able to view so much beauty in the first 2 miles. Cutting down this hike to 4 miles also allowed us to conserve our energy for more amazing hikes within Haleakala. If you have more time and would prefer to complete the entire trail, you may also consider camping at one of the two wilderness campgrounds that can be accessed via the Sliding Sands trail.
Also Read: 2 Week Hawaii Itinerary
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Haleakala has more endangered plant species than any other national park. One of the most famous plants is the Haleakala silversword (pictured below). As we learned in one of our favorite books, Scenic Science of the National Parks, the silverswords have leaves that bear silver hairs used to protect the plant from heat and light at this high altitude.
Once in its lifetime (up to 40 years), the silverswords sprout a stalk that can grow up to 6 feet tall and is adorned with an incredible purple flower display. Once the silverswords spread its seed from the flowers, it marks the end of its life. Be on the lookout during the sliding sands hike as this is a great time to spot silverswords. You may even get lucky enough to spot one with flower sprouts.
Please Remember: These plants are endangered. Leave no trace while in the park to give the silverswords their best chance at survival.
Prefer a Guided Tour?
10:00am: Kalahaku Overlook
The Kalahaku Overlook provides a stunning view of the crater, as well as , panoramic views of Maui from 10,000 feet! With the Haleakala summit gaining larger crowds at sunrise & sunset, Kalahaku Overlook provides a less crowded alternative. Kalahaku Overlook is also another popular spot to find silverswords (endangered species), as well as, other native plants, animals, and insects that are able to survive in the harsh climate of the Haleakala crater.
Also Read: Maui Hawaii Complete Guide
10:30am: Leleiwi Overlook
The Leleiwi Overlook provides yet another epic view of the Haleakala crater. It requires a short 5 minute hike to the overlook where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the crater. Similar to Kalahaku Overlook, Leleiwi is also a great alternative to the Haleakala summit building for sunrise or sunset with far less crowds. In fact, sunset at Leleiwi Overlook is your best chance of seeing the Brocken Spectre.
A phenomenon where you can see your shadow on the clouds surrounded by a rainbow. There are only three places on earth that this phenomenon can be witnessed and the Hawaiians believe the shadow represents viewing their soul. If you plan on staying for the sunset, you may consider trying your luck at Leleiwi Overlook for the chance to witness this once in a lifetime experience.
Sunset Phenomenon: Broken Spectre
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11:30am: Makawao
Makawao is a quaint town located on the northwest slope of Haleakala surrounded by agriculture and farm land making it known as the "Hawaiian cowboy town". Spend some time meandering through this town and enjoying the eclectic shops & art galleries, or even grab a bite to eat after a day of exploring Haleakala National Park. There is a free public parking lot on Makawao Ave right next to the Makawao Public Library.
Dining Suggestions in Makawao:
This popular 1916 bakery is a local favorite serving unreal baked good at a reasonable price. Their hours are 7am-2pm making for a wonderful place to stop for a quick breakfast after the Haleakala sunrise. Try their famous cream puffs, butter rolls, or donuts on a stick! Be prepared to wait in line, however, you will soon realize the donuts are worth the wait!
Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up? Try a delicious (and massive) cookie from this fantastic women-owned business in Makawao! These gourmet cookies come in numerous decadent flavors that are hand-rolled in small batches. It is hard to walk by without grabbing one to try!
A quaint little coffee stand located downtown Makawao. The coffee is delicious and affordable, making for the perfect place to re-energize after a day of exploring Haleakala. The lines may get long due to their popularity, however, you can also order online for pickup! We recommend trying their honey cream latte with mafia milk (mafia milk is made from cashews, coconuts, dates, vanilla, maple syrup, sea salt and filtered water) or their coconut cold brew!
1:00pm: Sacred Garden of Maliko
One of our favorite stops in Makawao was the Sacred Garden located on Kaluanui Rd. Open from 9am to 6pm, this plant nursery and meditative garden is completely free to walk through and enjoy. With numerous plants, two walking labyrinths, statues, fish, and birds, these gardens were peaceful and serene. We consider this sacred garden to be a hidden gem of Maui that you should not miss!
J&L Recommended: Hidden Gem in Makawao
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Hikes with Additional Time
[7.6 Miles; 2,375 ft. Elevation Gain; Out & Back]
This trail is a close second in popularity to Sliding Sands. It also takes you down to a magnificent view of the crater and does not require completing all 7.6 miles for astonishing views.
To maximize your time on a day trip within Haleakala, you can easily hike roughly 1 mile to an overlook of the crater and then begin your ascent back to the trailhead. This allows you to get a taste of another scenic trail within the park without getting too exhausted. Note: if there is not great visibility on the day you plan to hike this trail, you may consider skipping this trail as your view will likely be blocked by the clouds.
Note: if there is not great visibility on the day you plan to hike this trail, you may consider skipping this trail as your view will likely be blocked by the clouds.
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[0.4 Miles; 75 ft. Elevation Gain; Loop]
This trail is a great choice if you are looking for something less strenuous. The 0.4 mile loop trail borders a nature preserve and is a fantastic place for bird watching. This is also a noteworthy trail for encountering the Nene (Hawaiian geese).
Note: The Pipiwai Trail is a very popular Haleakala hiking trail, however, it can only be accessed via the Road to Hana and would not be feasible to complete on the same day as the other Haleakala hikes. For more information on the Pipiwai Trail, check out our Road to Hana Day Trip Guide.
Afternoon/Evening Suggestions
Located in Kula (roughly 20 minutes from Makawao) enjoy the 80-acre organic farm with incredible views from the slopes of Haleakala. For those 21 and older, take a farm tour and distillery tasting ($14.40/adult) to learn about their sustainable farming and sugar cane varieties. Enjoy their café (The Point) for food and drinks before or after your tour and experience incredible views of the Maui countryside.
Farm Tour & Distillery Tasting Tickets: $14.40/Adult (2021 pricing)
Located in four different locations around Hawaii (Kihei location is roughly 30 min from Makawao) Maui Brewing Company is our favorite brewery on Hawaii. With a delicious variety of craft brews and tasty food to pair, Maui Brewing Company is a perfect way to end your day on Maui.
If you are looking to learn more about the beer making process, you may consider booking one of their production facility tours or advanced beer tasting lessons during your stay. Our personal favorite brew was their Coconut Hiwa Porter [6% ABV; 30 IBU] brewed with coconut and containing hints of mocha. Visit during their daily happy hour [3:30-5:30pm] for $1 off house beers, $3 off craft cocktails, $10 pizzas, & 50% off select apps!
Great Happy Hour: Daily from 3:30-5:30pm (2021)
Common Questions about Haleakala National Park
Do you have to pay to get into Haleakala National Park?
There is an entrance fee required to enter Haleakala National Park. Entrance fees vary depending on multiple factors, however, if entering with a rental car, the fee is $30 and lasts for 3 days. Keep this entrance receipt to use it for entry to the Pipiwai Trail on the Road to Hana (if visited within 3 days).
Park Tickets: $30 per car for a 3 day period
How long do you need at Haleakala National Park?
We think the perfect amount of time at Haleakala National Park is one day. This will allow you to view the sunrise and/or sunset at the summit, hike the most popular Sliding Sands trail, and admire epic views along roadside lookouts. If you prefer camping, you may consider camping at one of the two wilderness campgrounds or front-country camping at Hosmer Grove Campground to extend your stay.
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Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakala National Park
One of the most popular attractions at Haleakala National Park is the famous sunrise at the summit building. However, this has become so popular that the park is now requiring reservations 60 days in advance to secure a spot. This has led to people considering the equally magnificent Haleakala sunset as an alternative option to the sunrise or even avoiding the two altogether. Which option is better? Review the pros and cons of each to decide for yourself:
Sunrise Pros:
Witness a majestic, picturesque sunrise above the clouds at 10,000 feet elevation
Allows you to get an early start on the popular hiking trails
Leaves you an afternoon/evening to explore the local towns surrounding Haleakala
Sunrise Cons:
Requires booking a reservation 60 days in advance ($1 for entry into the park between 3am-7am)
Requires driving up the winding switchbacks of the Haleakala volcano in the complete dark.
Requires an early start to your day, however, we recommend adjusting your sleep schedule to wake with the sun daily in order to maximize your adventure time on Hawaii!
Cold temperatures at the Haleakala summit prior to sunrise (on average below freezing)
Sunset Pros:
Witness a majestic, picturesque sunset above the clouds at 10,000 feet elevation
Sunset at Leleiwi Overlook is the best chance of seeing the Brocken Spectre. A phenomenon where you can see your shadow on the clouds surrounded by a rainbow. There are only three places on earth that this phenomenon can be witnessed and the Hawaiians believe the shadow represents viewing their soul.
Allows for a great viewing of the stars after the sunset. The night sky is so clear at this elevation, the Haleakala Observatory is located at its summit.
Avoid the sunrise crowds
No reservation required
Sunset Cons:
Requires driving down the winding switchbacks of the Haleakala volcano in the complete dark after sunset.
Cold temperatures at the Haleakala summit after the sunset (on average below freezing)
Requires hiking close to dusk or waiting around after an afternoon of hiking for the sunset
Tip: Make sure to check the time for the sunrise/sunset on the day you plan on visiting and always get there early.
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What to bring on a Haleakala National Park day trip:
Packed lunch & snacks: There is so much to see at Haleakala National Park and so many EPIC picnic spots. Depending on how much time you plan on hiking, you may consider bringing a lunch in order to conserve time. Otherwise, packing some snacks and water will tie you over for a meal in the nearby town of Makawao (our top suggestions below).
The 10 Hiking Essentials: There are many hiking trails in Haleakala National Park. Make sure your bag is property packed with the essentials. Of particular importance is water. Make sure to pack lots of water to stay hydrated in the Maui heat.
Warm Clothing: Despite being on the tropical island of Maui, there are cold temperatures at the Haleakala summit (on average below freezing before sunrise & sunset). While the temperature warms up throughout the day, we recommend bringing an insulated jacket, hat, and gloves. Packing layers will keep you comfortable throughout your time in the park.
Offline Maps: There is no cellular service within Haleakala National Park. We suggest downloading hiking trails on AllTrails offline before your trip with the use of AllTrails Pro. We also suggest downloading Google Maps offline to be able to navigate while driving. Get our 7-step guide for downloading offline maps here!
Enjoy our Haleakala tips and tricks? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
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