Haleakala National Park

It's all downhill on Haleakala

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LOCATION
The park is located on the east end of the Hawaiian island of Maui, approximately one and a half hours from Kahului.

CONTACT DETAILS
Haleakala National Park
P.O. Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768
www.nps.gov/hale
Phone Numbers: 808-572-4400
Kipahulu Ranger Station/Visitor Center: 808-248-7375
Headquarters: 808-572-4400
E-mail: HALE_Interpretation@nps.gov

DIRECTIONS
Haleakala National Park extends from the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala down the southeast flank of the mountain to the Kipahulu coast near Hana. These two sections of the park are not directly connected by road, but both can be reached from Kahului. The Summit Area of Haleakala is a three-hour round-trip drive from Kahului via roads 37, 377, and 378. Follow the signs posted along the highway. The Kipahulu area of the park is at the east end of Maui between Hana and Kaupo. It can be reached via Highway 36, a curvy, often wet road. Kipahulu is about 90 miles from the resort areas of Wailea, or Kaanapali, and 60 miles from central Maui. Driving time is about three to four hours each way. An extension of this road, Highway 31, goes around the dry side of the island, past Kaupo and on to Ulupalakua. It is only partially paved and can be hazardous or closed during periods of stormy weather.

TRANSPORTATION

To Park: Access the Summit Area by roads 377 and 378; Kipahulu by Highway 36. Kahului and Hana have small airports. There is no public transportation on Maui.

In Park: Personal or rental vehicle, bicycle, tour bus or van, or taxi (arrangements not made by park)

VISITOR CENTERS
Park Headquarters, Haleakala Visitor Centers, and the Kipahulu Ranger Station/Visitor Center have cultural and natural-history exhibits. Books, maps, and postcards are for sale. Rangers are on duty during business hours to answer questions and help you make the most of your visit.

FOOD, WATER, & SUPPLIES
There are no hotels or concessions within Haleakala National Park. There are no facilities to purchase food, gasoline, or supplies in the park. There is no drinking water at Kipahulu. The towns of Kahului, Pukalani (17 miles from the Summit area), and Hana (10 miles from the Kipahulu area) have limited stores and outfitters.

ACCESSIBILITY
In the Summit area, Park Headquarters, Haleakala Visitor Center, and Hosmer Grove picnic area are wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms are located at Haleakala Visitor Center, Kalahaku Overlook, Park Headquarters, and Hosmer Grove. Accessible water fountains can be found at Park Headquarters and Haleakala Visitor Center. The Summit Building is accessible, with assistance, via a steep ramp. Park trails are currently unpaved and not suitable for wheelchair use.

In the Kipahulu area, there are accessible parking spaces and restrooms near the Ranger Station. The only paved portion of trail leads to the Ranger Station. At this time the trails leading to the pools and forest are muddy, steep, and rocky. Access beyond the paved trail is difficult for wheelchairs and persons requiring assistance.

WEATHER
The weather at Haleakala is unpredictable. Be prepared for cold wind, heavy rain, and hot sunshine. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, and sunglasses. Temperatures may rise by more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees C) as you pass from wet forest to barren lava slopes, from early morning coolness to afternoon tropical sun.

Summit Area: The weather at the summit of Haleakala is unpredictable. Temperatures commonly range between 40 and 65 degrees F, but can be below freezing at any time of year with the wind chill factor. Weather changes rapidly at high elevations on Haleakala. Intense sunlight, thick clouds, heavy rain, and high winds are possible daily. Wear lightweight, layered clothing that will keep you warm even in wet weather, and sturdy, comfortable shoes.

Kipahulu Area: The weather in Kipahulu is usually warm, and rain is common. Flash flooding of the pools and streams can be hazardous to swimmers and hikers. Always check with the park rangers before entering the pools and never swim if flood warnings are posted. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in this area.