Begin your day at the highest point in Haleakalā National Park. From the summit of Pu‘u‘ula‘ula, the island of Maui unfolds in every direction while the immense volcanic crater stretches below in a sea of reds, oranges, browns, and black lava formations. On clear days, neighboring Hawaiian Islands are visible on the horizon, making this one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Pacific.
Haleakalā National Park: From the Summit Above the Clouds to the Rainforests of Kipahulu
2 Days
Haleakalā National Park protects two dramatically different worlds connected by a single volcano. At the summit, a vast crater stretches beneath colorful cinder cones and rugged volcanic wilderness nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. Far below along Maui's remote eastern coastline, waterfalls cascade through lush rainforest into pools carved by centuries of flowing water. This two-day itinerary explores both districts of the park, allowing visitors to witness sunrise-worthy summit vistas, hike through otherworldly volcanic landscapes, encounter rare native plants, and experience some of Hawai‘i's most beautiful waterfalls and coastal scenery. Locations are grouped geographically, minimizing driving while maximizing time spent exploring Haleakalā's remarkable diversity.
Day 1
Today focuses on the summit district of Haleakalā, where volcanic landscapes create scenery unlike anywhere else in Hawai‘i. Beginning high above the clouds, you'll explore viewpoints overlooking the immense crater before hiking among colorful cinder cones, native silversword plants, and sweeping wilderness vistas. Throughout the day, the landscape constantly shifts between barren volcanic terrain and pockets of life that have adapted to one of the most extreme environments in the Hawaiian Islands.
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This scenic overlook offers one of the finest panoramic views into Haleakalā Crater. Looking across the vast volcanic basin, visitors can appreciate the immense scale of the dormant volcano and the countless eruptions that shaped the landscape over hundreds of thousands of years.
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Perched along the crater rim, Kalahaku provides sweeping views across the crater floor and the rugged wilderness beyond. Native nēnē, Hawai‘i's state bird, are occasionally spotted in the area, adding a wildlife component to one of the park's most accessible viewpoints.
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Descend into the heart of Haleakalā's crater along the park's signature trail. The route winds through colorful volcanic ash, towering cinder cones, and vast open landscapes that resemble the surface of another planet. Even a partial hike provides a dramatic immersion into the unique geology of Maui's highest volcano.
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This short interpretive walk introduces visitors to the rare Haleakalā silversword, a plant found naturally only on Maui. Its silvery leaves shimmer in the sunlight and represent one of the most remarkable examples of adaptation to the harsh alpine volcanic environment.
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End the summit day among the trees of Hosmer Grove. This peaceful area offers cooler temperatures, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and a striking contrast to the barren volcanic landscapes encountered earlier. The short nature walk through the grove provides a relaxing conclusion to a day spent exploring the summit region.
Day 2
The second day explores the lush Kipahulu district on Maui's remote eastern coast. Here, waterfalls tumble through dense bamboo forests, streams carve deep valleys, and the Pacific Ocean crashes against volcanic shorelines. This side of Haleakalā feels completely different from the summit, showcasing the tropical rainforest ecosystems nourished by some of the island's highest rainfall totals.
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Begin your exploration in the coastal section of Haleakalā National Park. Dense rainforest, dramatic valleys, and ocean vistas create an entirely different atmosphere from the volcanic summit explored the previous day. This area offers some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere on Maui.
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One of the most iconic locations on Maui, the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o consist of a series of scenic freshwater pools connected by cascading waterfalls as they descend toward the ocean. Surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs, the area provides some of the park's most photographed landscapes.
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Widely considered the premier hike in the Kipahulu district, the Pipiwai Trail climbs through dense rainforest and one of Hawai‘i's most spectacular bamboo forests. The sound of rustling bamboo and flowing water accompanies hikers throughout the journey, creating an immersive tropical experience unlike any found elsewhere in the park.
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Reached along the Pipiwai Trail, Makahiku Falls plunges into a lush valley surrounded by tropical vegetation. The overlook provides excellent photographic opportunities and serves as a dramatic preview of the larger waterfall waiting farther along the trail.
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The reward at the end of the Pipiwai Trail is Waimoku Falls, a dramatic waterfall cascading hundreds of feet down a towering lava cliff draped in vegetation. Standing before this immense wall of water ranks among the most memorable experiences in Haleakalā National Park.
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Conclude your visit by enjoying views into the protected Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve and along Maui's rugged eastern coastline. These landscapes remain among the most pristine environments in Hawai‘i, preserving native ecosystems and offering a fitting finale to two remarkable days exploring one of America's most diverse national parks.