The Kalahaku Overlook at Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii is an easy 0.1 mile out-and-back walk to an overlook high above the Haleakala Crater.
This short trail gives you amazing views into the crater without having to walk very far, especially at the 9k foot altitude. If you have not acclimated to the altitude, be sure to walk slowly despite the trail's short distance.
From the overlook, you can see cinder cones like Pu'u o Maui and Halali'i along with the green slopes of the western and southern sides of the crater.
Parking: Parking can be found at the coordinates provided, but the park does not allow left-hand turns into this parking area. Make sure to visit this lookout on your way down from the crater.
Dogs: Dogs are only allowed at parking lots and paved pathways at the park, so dogs are ok on this trail.
Fees: There's a $25 entry fee for Haleakala National Park. The ticket you receive is good for 7-days (make sure to check the Haleakala National Park's site), but I highly encourage you to purchase the $50 annual pass if you plan to visit more national parks within the next 365 days.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
This short trail gives you amazing views into the crater without having to walk very far, especially at the 9k foot altitude. If you have not acclimated to the altitude, be sure to walk slowly despite the trail's short distance.
From the overlook, you can see cinder cones like Pu'u o Maui and Halali'i along with the green slopes of the western and southern sides of the crater.
Parking: Parking can be found at the coordinates provided, but the park does not allow left-hand turns into this parking area. Make sure to visit this lookout on your way down from the crater.
Dogs: Dogs are only allowed at parking lots and paved pathways at the park, so dogs are ok on this trail.
Fees: There's a $25 entry fee for Haleakala National Park. The ticket you receive is good for 7-days (make sure to check the Haleakala National Park's site), but I highly encourage you to purchase the $50 annual pass if you plan to visit more national parks within the next 365 days.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
