Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 278

Family.”) Those bound for the interior should bring their survival gear, for the
terrain is raw, rugged, and punishing—not unlike the moon.
JUST THE FACTS
Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of Mount Haleakala down
the volcano's southeast flank to Maui's eastern coast, beyond Hana. There are
actually two separate and distinct destinations within the park: Haleakala Sum-
mit and the Kipahulu coast. (See “Tropical Haleakala: Oheo Gulch at
Kipahulu,” later in this chapter.) The summit gets all the publicity, but Kipahulu
draws crowds, too—it's lush, green, and tropical, and home to Oheo Gulch (also
known as Seven Sacred Pools). No road links the summit and the coast; you have
to approach them separately, and you need at least a day to see each place.
WHEN TO GO At the 10,023-foot summit, weather changes fast. With wind
chill, temperatures can be freezing any time of year. Summer can be dry and
warm; winter can be wet, windy, and cold. Before you go, get current weather
conditions from the park ( & 808/572-4400 ) or the National Weather Service
( & 808/871-5054 ). Plan to spend the entire day here.
From sunrise to noon, the light is weak, but the view is usually free of clouds.
The best time for photos is afternoon, when the sun lights the crater and clouds
are few. Go on full-moon nights for spectacular viewing.
But here's a note of caution: This is Mother Nature, not Disneyland, so there
are no guarantees or schedules. Especially in winter, some mornings may be
misty or rainy, and sunrise viewing may be obscured. It's the luck of the draw.
ACCESS POINTS Haleakala Summit is 37 miles, or a 1 1 ⁄ 2 - to 2-hour drive,
from Kahului. To get here, take Highway 37 to Highway 377 to Highway 378.
For details on the drive, see “The Drive to the Summit,” below. Pukalani is the
last town for water, food, and gas.
The Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park is on Maui's east end near
Hana, 60 miles from Kahului on Highway 36 (Hana Hwy.). Due to traffic and
rough road conditions, plan on 4 hours for the drive, one-way. For complete
information, see “Tropical Haleakala: Oheo Gulch at Kipahulu,” later in this
chapter.
At both entrances to the park, the admission fee is $5 per person or $10 per
car, good for a week of unlimited entry.
INFORMATION, VISITOR CENTERS & RANGER PROGRAMS For
information before you go, contact Haleakala National Park, Box 369,
Makawao, HI 96768 ( & 808/572-4400; www.nps.gov/hale).
One mile from the park entrance, at 7,000 feet, is Haleakala National Park
Headquarters ( & 808/572-4400 ), open daily from 7:30am to 4pm. Stop here
to pick up information on park programs and activities, get camping permits,
and occasionally see a Hawaiian nene bird. Restrooms, a pay phone, and drink-
ing water are available.
The Haleakala Visitor Center, open daily from sunrise to 3pm, is near the
summit, 11 miles past the park entrance. It offers a panoramic view of the vol-
canic landscape, with photos identifying the various features, and exhibits that
explain the area's history, ecology, geology, and volcanology. Park staff members
are often on hand to answer questions. Restrooms and water are available.
Rangers offer excellent, informative, and free naturalist talks at 9:30, 10:30,
and 11:30am daily in the summit building. For information on hiking and
camping possibilities, including wilderness cabins and campgrounds, see “For
the Active Family,” later in this chapter.