Best trails in Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

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. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except during severe weather closures, and limited staffing situations. For visitor center hours, see here: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/hours.htm DAILY PASSES Daily passes are non-transferable and are valid for 3 days including the date of purchase. Private Vehicle: $30. Valid for 3 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 max capacity or less) and all occupants to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas. Motorcycle: $25. Valid for 3 days. Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas. Per Person: $15. Valid for 3 days. Admits one individual with no car to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas - typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Commercial Organized Groups: Haleakalā National Park charges commercial entities a fee to enter the park based on the capacity of the vehicle and/or the activity the commercial groups offer in the park. For a list of current authorized tours operating in the park, please click here. $15 per person for non-road based organized groups that offer activities such as Astronomy and Hiking. $30 plus $15 per person for road based tour vehicles, such as sedans, with a passenger carrying capacity of 1-7 people. $45 for road based tour vehicles, such as large vans and mini buses, with a passenger carrying capacity of 8-25 people. Non-Commercial Organized Groups Valid for 3 days. Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for Educational Fee Waivers are charged as follows: $30 Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 14 or less. $15 per person Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 15 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.