• A view of the cinder desert

    Haleakalā

    National Park Hawai'i

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Water shortage at summit

    The visitor center nearest the summit is very low on water. Please use the toilets at Headquarters Visitor Center near the park entrance if possible.

  • Drive cautiously - Endangered birds land on roadway

    Nene (Hawaiian geese) and 'ua'u (Hawaiian petrels) are nesting in the park and may land on or frequent park roads and parking lots. Drivers are reminded to drive at the posted speed limits and exercise caution.

  • Haleakala Visitor Center Parking Lot Rehabilitation In Progress

    During construction, parking spaces at Haleakala Visitor Center (near the summit) will be reduced by at least 50%. Construction is scheduled for May 20 through June 6. Visitors and tour operators may experience delays. More »

Hiking

 

The summit area of Haleakalā National Park has over 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails. Trails range from just 10 minutes to long overnight trips. You might hike in the native shrubland, looking for native forest birds and endemic plants, or in the aeolian cinder desert, exploring the geologic history of the summit.

The Kīpahulu area of the park has about 2.5 miles (16km) of trails through the lush, green tropical coastal environment. Never cross streams that are flooding, and always check at the Visitor Center to ask about conditions before you head out.

  • Stop by a visitor center to pickup a free trail guide and check on current conditions before you head out. Or download a trail guide here (3.84 MB).
  • Due to the fragile nature of the ecosystem it is required that hikers stay on the marked trials. Pets may not accompany hikers on the trails.
  • No food, supplies, or gas is available in the summit area.
  • When beginning your hike on a downward slope, allow for twice the time hiking to get out, i.e. 15 minutes hiking down + 30 minutes hiking up = 45 minute hike. Soft cinder trails create hiking conditions similar to walking on a beach in some areas.
  • Trails are strenuous in the Summit Area because the high-elevation causes a lower concentration of oxygen in each breath. Altitude sickness is a concern. Be on guard for symptoms; nausea, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Pregnant women and people with heart and respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before visiting and hiking in the summit area.
  • In the summit area, temperatures commonly range between 30 to 65 degrees F (-1 to +18 defrees C), and can reach below freezing at any time with the wind-chill factor. Hypothermia is a danger. Hikers must be properly prepared for high altitudes and cold, rainy conditions.
  • In the Kīpahulu area temperatures are commonly warm and humid.
 
  • Wilderness Cabins Wilderness Cabins

    Fees and Reservations Read More

  • Wilderness Camping Wilderness Camping

    Permit Information Read More

Did You Know?

You can experience hundreds of shades of green in the bamboo forest as well as enjoy the melodic tones produced in the breeze.

Bamboo is one of the non-native plants you will see when you hike the Pīpīwai Trail in the Kīpahulu Area of Haleakalā National Park. The extensive bamboo forest provides a unique array of sights and sounds along the trail. More...