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Best trails in Haleakalā National Park

Best trails in Haleakalā National Park

4.6(19,965 reviews)

·

Hawaii
#2 of 2 national parks

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.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $1
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(808) 572-4400
Timed entry reservation
Park & Location

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.

$1
Make reservation
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Valid for three days. Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts.

$25
Purchase pass
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

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.

$30
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

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.

$55
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

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

Overview

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.

Facilities

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Haleakalā National Park

26,217 trailgoers Busiest in May
Jun 30, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

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$

Parking: Entry fee, Paid, Large lot
Seven Sacred Pools Trail ('Ohe'o Gulch)
May 30, 2025
Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

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!

Sliding Sands (Keonehe‘ehe‘e)
Jan 15, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

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!

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Paid
Halemau'u Haleakala Overlook Trail
Apr 1, 2025
Good viewsEasy to parkNot crowded

Did a nice drive up Haleakalā to this lookout. Neat to see and be above the clouds. Bring sweatshirt or jacket.

Leleiwi Overlook Trail
Jan 20, 2025Road biking

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.

Difficulty: Moderate
Paia to Haleakala (Cycle to the Sun)
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Haleakalā National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Haleakalā National Park is Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 8,997 reviews. This trail is 3.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 853 ft.

What is the longest trail in Haleakalā National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Haleakalā National Park is Holua to Palikū. This trail is estimated to be 20.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Haleakalā National Park?

There are 19 trails in Haleakalā National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 19,965 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Haleakalā National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Haleakalā National Park has you covered. Paia to Haleakala (Cycle to the Sun) boasts the most elevation gain with 14,314 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Kaupo Trail, which will get you 5,764 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Haleakalā National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 camping trails in Haleakalā National Park and the most popular is Halemau'u Haleakala Overlook Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,559 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Haleakalā National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Haleakalā National Park which is Paia to Haleakala (Cycle to the Sun) with an average 4.8 star rating from 25 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Haleakalā National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Haleakalā National Park, including Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail, and Makahiku Falls and the Pīpīwai Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Haleakalā National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Haleakalā National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Haleakalā National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Haleakalā National Park, including Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail, Hosmer Grove Loop, Leleiwi Overlook Trail, and Makahiku Falls and the Pīpīwai Trail.

Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Haleakalā National Park?

Yes, there is 1 trail with a volcano viewpoint in Haleakalā National Park: Red Hill Overlook Summit Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Haleakalā National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with caves in Haleakalā National Park, including Keonehe'ehe'e Trail to Halemauu Trail, Haleakala Crater Loop, Silversword Loop Via Halemau'u Trail, and Holua to Palikū.