Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park spans from volcanic summit to lush coast. Its 10,023-foot summit rises above the clouds, offering sunrise views and other-worldly hikes, while the Kīpahulu district below teems with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and sacred sites rich in Hawaiian culture.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Watch Sunrise from the Summit – Witness the sun emerge above a sea of clouds. Reservations via Recreation.gov are required for sunrise entry between 3–7 a.m.
• Hike the Sliding Sands Trail – Trek into Haleakalā Crater’s surreal terrain of cinder cones, rust-red lava, and rare silversword plants found nowhere else on Earth.
• Explore the Pīpīwai Trail – In Kīpahulu, walk through towering bamboo to reach Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot cascade deep in the rainforest.
• Go Stargazing at the Summit – With minimal light pollution, Haleakalā offers dazzling night skies filled with constellations, planets, and the luminous arc of the Milky Way.
• Savor Sunset Views – Skip the early wake-up call and enjoy the breathtaking colors as the sun dips below the clouds, illuminating Haleakalā’s vast volcanic landscape.

Plan Ahead: Rise and shine for a guided Haleakalā sunrise tour that gets you to the summit in time for the show. Afterward, treat yourself to a local breakfast and a scenic drive to round out the morning. Keep in mind, these sell out well in advance.

Photo Credit: Kaydn Ito/Unsplash