Maui Day Trip: Haleakala National Park
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Maui Day Trip: Haleakala National Park
On the island of Maui, sits the dormant volcano Haleakala, which means, “house of the sun.” According to legend, the demigod Maui imprisoned the sun here by standing on the volcano to create the crater. Originally part of the Hawaii National Park when created in 1916, it became the separate Haleakala National Park by 1961. While the land has always been sacred to the people, in 1980 it became an International Biosphere Reserve.
Visiting Haleakala is like entering another world. As your car climbs the winding switchbacks leading up to the summit, lush green fields and forests transition into sprawling red sand and volcanic rock. This stark, sacred landscape with hard-to-beat views are what make visiting Haleakala National Park one of the best day trips on Maui.
When planning your day trip to Haleakala National Park, be sure to prepare for the remote and rugged environment. Those with medical conditions should be aware elevation is 10,023 ft, and an ambulance can take 45 minutes. Remember that when hiking not to explore off path, stay on trails to do your part and protect the ecosystem and respect the sacred land you are adventuring on.
You want to bring a map for your hikes, as plenty of the park has spotty or no cell service. Be prepared with plenty of water, protection from the elements (sun, wind, and rain), food, and gasoline. Essentials (beverages, food, or gas) are not sold in the park, and water found must be boiled prior to drinking.
To catch sunrise or sunset, reserve your spot before you come, tickets are listed online 7 days in advance. When planning your day, decide if you want to extend your trip by camping overnight. Haleakala National Park is divided into two separate areas, one around Haleakala called the Summit District and then Kīpahulu District.
The Kīpahulu District is located near mile marker 42, down the Hāna Highway. From hiking trails to gorgeous waterfalls, and a lava sculpted coastline the lush Kīpahulu District has so much to see. Look out and be respectful of the many ancient sites in this area that can be seen while hiking.
The Summit District is a different world, when reaching the peak elevation of Haleakala. The land shifts from the rest of Maui here with rich deep colors and sculpted terrain down into the crater. Before backcountry hiking down into the Summit, remember it will take twice as long to hike back up.
The Sliding Sands, or Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, descends into the stunning crater, and is approximately 13 miles roundtrip. With otherworldly color changes to the ground due to erosion, the trail has been nicknamed Pele’s Paint Pot. A strenuous trail to be sure, this hike is one of the coolest day trips in Haleakala National Park, and Maui.
Anna Claire Beasley is an adventurous wedding, elopement, + portrait photographer based out of Texas. She travels for the majority of all of her sessions, from across Texas, to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, Hawaii, and anywhere else there’s a story to document. Her work is grounded in the belief that photographs are about remembering moments + experiences and she makes it her goal is to capture how it felt so those memories can stay fresh for years to come.