Best trails in Haleakalā National Park
Explore cinder cones and old lava flows from within Haleakala, possibly the largest dormant volcano on the planet. Formed by erosion rather than volcanic activity, the valley at the summit of Haleakala boasts much to marvel at and the packed cinder and soil underfoot makes for a relatively easy hike. Here you'll find the silversword, an endangered plant found nowhere else on Earth with an alien appearance that compounds the other-worldly appearance of this remote location. Ascending and looping up the mountain, the road to Haleakala National Park is equally spectacular, climbing through the clouds to the summit. Watch out for tour groups of cyclists on this road who freewheel down the mountain. These popular tours begin in the early hours of the morning so they can witness the sunrise over the island from the summit before they begin their two-wheeled kamikaze return back down the volcano.
Top trails
Visitor info
A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. You may book a reservation up to 60 days in advance and 2 days in advance of the start date.
Valid for three days. Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts.
Admits one individual with no car to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.
Valid for three days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 max capacity or less) and all occupants to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts.
Valid for 12 months from purchase date. Admits the pass holders and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle (14 max capacity or less) to Haleakalā National Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Puʻuhonua ʻO Hōnaunau National Historical Park. All other National Park sites in the state of Hawaiʻi do not charge an entrance fee.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakalā Visitor Center, and Kīpahulu Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. A transcript is available for the orientation films.
A Braille park brochure is available at the Headquarters Visitor Center.
Additional information about accessibility at Haleakalā National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Headquarters Visitor Center, Haleakalā Visitor Center, and Kīpahulu Visitor Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. A transcript is available for the orientation films.
The Hosmer Grove Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailhead: Kalahaku Overlook.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Trail reviews for Haleakalā National Park
Need to purchase a national park pass (for Haleakala) to get in. Can pay by car at the entrance or before you go (national park site can lead you to where to purchase) I had a tri park pass for volcanoes NP & Haleakalā for 55$ unlimited or a car load was 33$
We didn’t do the full thing, just until the first fork, which was about 4 miles in. The trail takes you into the heart of the Haleakalā crater… it feels as if you’re walking on the moon!
I do a lot of ridge hiking on oahu and this was pretty easy for me. Lots of switchbacks and mild elevation gain. Honestly I was hoping for more of a challenge but the views of haleakalā can’t be beat! started at 8 and was down by 11:30, no clouds until I was over halfway back!
Did a nice drive up Haleakalā to this lookout. Neat to see and be above the clouds. Bring sweatshirt or jacket.
Exploring Haleakalā Volcano is an unforgettable experience, but be prepared for the cold at the summit—it’s freezing up there! Layers are a must, as you’ll start bundled up and gradually shed them on the way down. The ride down is mostly coasting, so you won’t need to pedal much, but you’ll rely on your brakes a lot to keep things under control. Along the way, we stopped for an amazing breakfast by a cozy fireplace, which was the perfect way to warm up and recharge. It ends near Paia, a bohemian town full of charm with unique shops. Whether for the breathtaking views or the fun downhill ride, Haleakalā is an adventure worth taking.