Haleakala Crater and Volcano

Haleakala Crater at Haleakala National Park is one of the most incredible locations on Maui - if not the entire planet!

Where else can you go from sea level to over 10,000 feet above sea level in just over 30 miles, and be standing on the earth's largest dormant volcano. Haleakala National Park is an experience you don't want to miss when visiting Maui.

In the Hawaiian language, Haleakala means House By The Rising Sun, and it's truly one of the most unique places for a sunset, sunrise, full moon, or just to experience.

There is a $10 fee per vehicle to enter Haleakala National Park and you can purchase a National Park Card for unlimited entrance to any national park.

Plan to take plenty of water and clothes, as the temperature can be 20 degrees to 30 degrees cooler than the temperature at sea level.

Haleakala Crater is a geological dream for such a wide variety of different species of plants, rocks and the land itself. Take time to walk the paved trails and see the Silversword. This particular plant species is found nowhere else.

The drive to the top of Haleakala Volcano takes about an hour, depending on how many times you stop along the way to take pictures and to see the incredible views of the west Maui mountains.

You'll also get a spectacular view of the isthmus, or flatland, where the two volcanos are connected with a land mass in the center of the island.

One of the largest space observatories is also located on the top of Hakeakala Crater. It is off-limits to the general public, but you can see some of the largest telescopes in the United States at the top of the volcano. It also house government satellite tracking devices.

Please Respect The Aina. Try to leave the land (aina) just like you found, and don't take any rocks from the ground.

Haleakala National Park hosts a visitor center at the top of the crater, and there is a Park Ranger to answer any questions. Books, videos, and other materials can be purchased in the Visitor Center, and there are clean public restrooms available during park hours.

Rent a satellite-driven GyPSy Guide Maui and enjoy your drive even more, as it gives you interesting, expert commentary on your drive to the top of Haleakala Crater.

Clear Day! On a clear day with good visibility, look to the south while standing in the visitor parking lot. You just might see the two 13,000 foot volcanos (Mauna Koa & Mauna Loa) on The Big Island.

See the twin peaks on The Big Island!

A closer look at the Observatory below. The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the National Weather Service (808) 877-5111 for Maui's weather forecast.

The view below is from one of the many pull-over areas on the drive to the top of Haleakala Crater. The 30,000-acre national park attracts over 1 million visitors each year.

There are elevation signs on the drive to the top of Haleakala Crater. The drive can take up to two hours, depending on how many times you stop to take pictures.

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