Best Hikes in Haleakala National Park, HI

Default image for Haleakala Red Hill Summit Trail, a 0.3-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

0.3 mi
0.5 km

Easy Loop

Haleakala Red Hill Summit Trail

4.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail, a 8.7-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

8.7 mi
14 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail

4.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Halemau'u Trail to Haleakala Crater Lookout, a 1.6-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

1.6 mi
2.6 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Halemau'u Trail to Haleakala Crater Lookout

5.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Pa Ka'oao Trail, a 0.4-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

0.4 mi
0.6 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Pa Ka'oao Trail

5.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Kuloa Point Trail to Pools of 'Ohe'o, a 0.7-mile trail in Hana, HI (US)

0.7 mi
1.1 km

Easy Loop

Kuloa Point Trail to Pools of 'Ohe'o

5.0

Hana, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Pipiwai Trail, a 4.0-mile trail in Hana, HI (US)

4 mi
6.4 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Pipiwai Trail

5.0

Hana, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Leleiwi Overlook Trail, a 0.3-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

0.3 mi
0.5 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Leleiwi Overlook Trail

4.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Kalahaku Overlook, a 0.1-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Kalahaku Overlook

0.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Hosmer Grove Trail, a 0.5-mile trail in Kula, HI (US)

0.5 mi
0.8 km

Easy Loop

Hosmer Grove Trail

0.0

Kula, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku Falls Overlook, a 0.9-mile trail in Hana, HI (US)

0.9 mi
1.4 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku Falls Overlook

0.0

Hana, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

Haleakala National Park, located in Maui, offers incredible sunrise and sunset views from the summit of a dormant volcano, requiring reservations for sunrise viewing.

The park features diverse landscapes, including volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and unique plant and animal life like the silversword plant and the nene goose.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, stargazing, and ranger-led programs, but should be prepared for varying weather conditions and high altitude.

About Haleakala National Park

Explore the majestic beauty of Haleakala National Park, located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. From the summit at over 10,000 feet to the lush coastal areas, this park offers diverse landscapes and unique hiking experiences. Discover the otherworldly Haleakala Crater, home to cinder cones and rare 'ahinahina (silversword) plants. Whether you're seeking an easy stroll at the Kalahaku Overlook, offering stunning crater views, or a challenging descent into the crater on the Keonehe'ehe'e (Sliding Sands) Trail, remember to acclimate to the high altitude. Be sure to check out the sunrise from the Red Hill Summit or explore the unique "alien forest" at Hosmer Grove.

Planning your hike in Haleakala National Park requires preparation. Always check weather conditions, as flash floods can occur, particularly on trails like the Pipiwai Trail leading to Waimoku Falls. Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water, especially on longer trails with limited shade. A park entrance fee applies, but an annual pass offers excellent value for multiple visits. Whether you choose the easy Kuloa Point Trail with its ocean views or the panoramic Pa Ka'oao Trail on a cinder cone, remember to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of this natural wonder. Note that swimming in the Pools of 'Ohe'o is not recommended and has been closed indefinitely.