Trip Idea

A Full Day at the Summit

Multiple Parks

A small building sits in front of a blue sky on top of a rocky hill
Duration Full Day
Topic(s) Schools and Education, Unique Species, Volcanoes, Geology, Mountains, Scenic Views, Trails, Endangered, Rare, Wilderness, Animals, Birds, Natural Sounds, Thickets and Shrublands more »
Activities Junior Ranger Program, Hiking
Type Kid Friendly, Active, Educational, Outdoors
Parks Haleakalā National Park

It's a Whole New World Up Here

Haleakalā National Park is made up of two unique districts that highlight the park's diversity from sea to summit. The Summit District encompasses the volcanic crater wilderness and the native shrubland that once blanketed the mountain's slopes. Up here, you'll find species that have fought to survive in the harsh, desert environment and withness the incredible result of millions of years of volcanic activity.

Getting There

The Summit District is about an hourʻs drive from Kahului and Kihei, and an hour and a half from Lahaina, depending on traffic. Within the park, itʻs about a thirty minutes to drive from the entrance gate to the summit itself.

Know Before You Go

Be prepared for a full day. This district is remote, and there is no food or gas available within the park. Come prepared with a pack lunch, plenty of water, and protection for both rain and sun. Conditions change frequnetly and can be very intense. As always, recreate responsibly.
  • Haleakalā National Park

    Become a Haleakalā Junior Ranger
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Junior Ranger Program
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A colorful cover shows native plants and animals and says

    Complete activities featuring the plants, animals, and history of Haleakalā to earn your Junior Ranger badge!

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  • Haleakalā National Park

    Moderate Hike to the Crater Edge
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Halemau'u Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    a rocky trail follows a ridgeline surrounded by shrubs.

    Meander through native shrubland to glimpse rare forest birds and a variety of plants found only in Hawaiʻi.

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  • Haleakalā National Park

    Moderate Hike into Haleakalā's Crater
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Keoneheʻheʻe Trailhead
    • Duration: 1–2 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A trail leads down into a colorful volcanic valley.

    Enter the park's Wilderness on the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail and take a moderate out-and-back hike partway down the windswept cinder slope. This is among the most popular hikes in the park thanks to its unbeatable crater views.

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Last updated: February 2, 2021