…Walk off the trail and the tracks you leave in the cinders will be there for many years. Pick a flower to savor its beauty and a thousand seeds never sprout…

E malama i ka 'aina: Respect and care for the land.
As you journey along the trails of Haleakala National Park your every decision will affect not only your own enjoyment and safety but will have long lasting effects on the land you have come to enjoy. By approaching your trip in a well prepared, respectful manner you will enhance your own journey, preserve the experience of future visitors, and minimize your impact on the exceptional landscapes and unique species of Haleakala National Park.

Respect the land:

• Stay on designated trails - The backcountry soils and terrain are extremely fragile. Staying on the marked trails helps to protect plants, birds, lichens and insects, many of which are endangered. Please do not short cut the switchback trails.
• Pack out all trash - Pick up and pack out all of your trash, including cigarette butts and toilet paper. Biodegradable items cannot be left in the backcountry. Trash attracts alien pests and decomposes extremely slowly in this environment.
• Please respect all wildlife and cultural artifacts - Travel quietly. Do not disturb animals or their nests. Do not pick plants or remove any natural objects such as rocks or disturb rock walls. Do not feed the wildlife.
• Honor other visitors' need for solitude - Travel and camp quietly and in small groups. Others will appreciate the solitude and quiet.
  

Be aware of safety issues:

• Do not drink untreated water - Water in the wilderness must be treated before drinking. During times of drought water may be unavailable and wilderness users need to carry their own water. Kipahulu does not have potable water and stream water in the Kipahulu area is not drinkable. Bottled water can be purchased in Hana.
• Open fires are prohibited due to high fire danger - Fires are only allowed in grills at Hosmer Grove and Kipahulu campgrounds, not at wilderness campsite. Cooking in the wilderness requires a small portable camping stove placed on a rock or gravel surface.
• No firearms or fireworks - Absolutely no hunting is allowed in the park.

Remember park regulations:

• Bikes are not allowed on park trails - Bikes can be ridden on the paved roads in the park.
• No pets - Pets must be leashed at all times and are only allowed on paved roads or in parking areas, not on trails or in the Wilderness Area.
• Group size is limited to 12 persons - Groups may not occupy both the cabin and campground at any one site.

Packing for a backcountry hike or overnight trip

Summit Area
Trails in the summit area are rugged, strenuous, and at high elevation. Hikers in the wilderness are responsible for their own safety; be prepared for self-rescue in the event of an emergency. Temperatures often drop into or below the 30's at night; daytime highs may reach 40-65°F. Freezing rain, dense cloud cover, and high winds are common any month of the year but especially in the winter and spring.

For a day hike in the Summit area
· Water (at least 2 quarts per person)
· Food
· Full raingear
· Sturdy hiking shoes
· Layered and warm clothing
· Wide brimmed hat/sunglasses
· Sunscreen (High SPF)
· First aid kit/bee sting kit
· Trail map

Overnight trip in the Summit area
Also bring
· Camping or cabin permit
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· Tent w/rainfly
· Warm sleeping bag
· Camp stove/mess kit/pocket knife
· Toilet paper (must pack out when not using pit toilets)
· Matches or lighter
· First aid kit/bee sting kit
· Water treatment system
· Plastic bags (for waterproofing and to pack out all trash)
At Hosmer Grove
· Drinking water is available
· Bring charcoal and firestarter for grills

Kipahulu Area
When planning for hiking in the Kipahulu area, keep in mind that rain is a common occurrence. This can create slippery, muddy conditions on the rocky trails. Temperatures can range from the 50's up into the high 80's at any time of the year and any time of the day. There is no drinking water available in the Kipahulu area so be sure to plan ahead.

For a day hike in the Kipahulu area
· Water (at least 2 quarts per person)
· Food
· Rain jacket
· Sturdy hiking shoes
· Layered clothing
· Wide brimmed hat/sunglasses
· Sunscreen (High SPF)
· Mosquito repellent

Overnight trip in the Kipahulu area
Also bring
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· Tent w/rainfly
· Sleeping bag
· Camp stove/mess kit/pocket knife
· Matches or lighter
· First aid kit/bee sting kit
· Water for cooking and washing
· Plastic bags (for waterproofing and to pack out all trash)

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