RESERVATIONSPeople visit Maui for a number of reasons but are always impressed by our natural beauty, which is everywhere you look. One of the great things about visiting Maui is our nearby national park, Haleakalā. With 30,000 acres to explore, you’ll have a fantastic time visiting here. Over a million visitors pass through every year. Whether you drive it, hike it, or take a horseback tour, Haleakalā National Park is one of Maui’s favorite nature preserves.
Like the Road To Hana, the trip to Haleakalā is a long one, so it’s best not to attempt both on the same day. You might be able to do both, but you’ll miss out on so many views and experiences because you’ll be in the car so much.
Whether you visit the Summit or Kīpahulu District, (or both!) you’ll experience Maui’s natural beauty at its very best.
Sunrise
Haleakalā means “house of the sun,” and for a good reason. It’s home to the most amazing sunrise (and sunset) you’ll ever see anywhere on earth. People gather early in the morning just to see it once. The Haleakalā Crater is a dormant volcano that stands 10,023 feet above sea level. From there, you’ll have an exclusive view that isn’t available elsewhere.
Seeing this sunrise involves making an advance registration 60 days prior to the park’s website. From there, you’ll be getting up very early. People begin arriving at the park beginning at 3:00 am. Sunsets are less crowded but no less visually stunning and do not require a reservation.
Home To Endangered Species
But Haleakalā National Park is more than just a beautiful sunrise. It’s also the #1 national park with the largest number of endangered species of both plants and animals.
Maui, and the entire state of Hawai’i, is home to the largest variety of endangered plants in the world. The reason for this distinction is that so many of our plants and animals exist only here and can only live in our unique ecosystem. They are vulnerable to any kind of changes, such as any non-native species that can threaten their existence. Because they can’t be propagated elsewhere, these plants are carefully protected against extinction. A full 30% of federally listed endangered plant species exist only in Hawaii.
Haleakalā National Park is home to 103 endangered plant and animal species that are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. They include the Nēnē bird, Hawaiian Monk seals that deliver their babies on the beach, and flowering silversword plants that are exclusive to the top of the Haleakalā volcano. Both are protected as members of the US’s Endangered Species listing.
A Few Things To Know Before You Arrive
There are fees for entrance to the park for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. As with many areas in Maui and Hawaii, please be quiet and respectful while you’re visiting. Haleakalā National Park is considered a sacred area to Native Hawai’ians, and all visitors are asked to respect this.
Also, there are no concession, medical, or fuel facilities in the park. You’ll need to pack your own food, water, and other necessary supplies for your visits, such as sunscreen and an emergency raincoat for unexpected showers. Make sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is full or close to it before you arrive.
Appropriate clothing for the summit is also a necessity. Yes, it’s warm during the day. But higher elevations, particularly prior to sunrise, can see temperatures as low in the ’30s, even in Maui. Make sure that if you’re here for the sunrise or sunset that you’re carrying extra clothes for warmth during your visit.
The National Park’s website for Haleakalā offers complete information on pricing, availability, and activities available when visiting.
Stay At Hana Kai Maui When Visiting Haleakalā
The national park is nearby. After a full day of hiking and exploring, you can relax at Hana Kai Maui. Our fully furnished and comfortable condos feature a full kitchen and a lanai. Every unit is just steps from the beachfront.
When you’re ready to visit Maui, call to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all of your questions. Get in touch today to begin reserving your visit to Hana Kai Maui.
