Year Established: 1961
Annual Visitors: 853,000
Size: 33,265 Acres
State: Hawaii
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park
December to April
If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.
Best Experiences in Haleakalā National Park
- Haleakalā Summit
- Pīpīwai Trail
- Drive the nearby Road to Hāna
A Brief History
Haleakala means “house of the sun.” Legend has it that the Polynesian god Maui made the sun stop here so that the island could get more light. The volcano, which is 10,000 feet tall, last erupted between 1480 and 1600, leaving a crater that is 2.5 miles wide. Mark Twain went there in 1866 and said it was “the most sublime sight.”
At the bottom, there are twisted pieces of dried lava. In 1907, the adventure writer Jack London wrote that “saw-toothed waves of lava vexed the surface of this strange ocean, while on either side rose jagged crests and spiracles of fantastic shape” at this spot.
The inside of the crater goes through six different climate zones. The crater’s interior is a mix of ocher and tan colors, and lichen and fern forests give it a lush green color.
Haleakala is home to many species, such as the nene, the Hawaiian goose.
The state bird used to be on the list of endangered species, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service changed its status to “threatened” in 2019 after years of captive breeding and habitat restoration.
Haleakalā RV Camping
If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Haleakalā National Park or in Hawaii, consider checking out our other post:
Visitor Information
Fees
Multi-Day Park Passes
$15.00 per person/cyclist
$30.00 per vehicle
$25.00 per motorcycle
These passes are valid for up to 3 days
Annual Park Passes
Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass – $55.00
Interagency Annual Pass – $80.00
Annual Pass for U.S. Military – FREE
Contacting Haleakalā National Park
Phone Number
(808) 572-4400
Visitor Centers
Headquarters Visitor Center
A mile and a half (1.6 km) past the gate to the Summit District is the Headquarters Visitor Center. Inside, park staff can answer questions at the information desk and give out backcountry permits when they are available. There is a small exhibit hall with displays about the natural and cultural history of the park. Inside the visitor center is a store run by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association. Restrooms can be reached from the outside and are open all the time. Please check park alerts to find out when parks will be closed.
Address
30019 Crater Rd.
Kula, HI 96790
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Monday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Haleakalā Visitor Center
The Haleakal Visitor Center is on the edge of the impressive volcanic valley, about 30 minutes by car from the Headquarters Visitor Center. At the information desk inside, park staff can answer questions. Visitors can learn about the mountain’s history from the different displays. There is also a bookstore run by the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association where you can buy souvenirs. There are bathrooms nearby in a separate building that is open all the time. Please look at the alerts page to see if anything is closed.
Address
Haleakala Hwy,
Kula, HI 96790
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Monday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Tuesday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Wednesday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Thursday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Friday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Saturday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Kīpahulu Visitor Center
Kpahulu District is near the coast. Inside, there is a Hawaii Pacific Parks Association bookstore, a place to get information, and displays about the natural and cultural history of the area. Restrooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless the park is closed because of bad weather. Please check park alerts to find out when parks will be closed.
Address
Mile Marker 42 Hana Hwy 330,
Haleakala National Park, Hana, HI 96713
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Monday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.