Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
ENTRANCE FEES & PASSES
Haleakalā National Park ( www.nps.gov/hale ; 3-day entry pass per car $10, per person on foot,
bicycle or motorcycle $5) The park never closes, although you may have to feed cash into
the payment kiosk at the summit pay booth for your admission permit if you arrive well
before sunrise. If you're planning several trips, or are going on to the Big Island, con-
sider buying an annual pass ($25), which covers all of Hawaii's national parks.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
The weather at Haleakalā can change suddenly from dry, hot conditions to cold,
windswept rain. Although the general rule is sunny in the morning and cloudy in the af-
ternoon, fog and clouds can blow in at any time, and the windchill can quickly drop be-
low freezing. Dress in layers and bring extra clothing; don't even think of coming up
without a jacket.
At 10,000ft the air is relatively thin, so expect to tire more quickly, particularly if
you're hiking. The higher elevation also means that sunburn is more likely.
MAPS
National Geographic's Haleakalā National Park Trails Illustrated Map shows elevations
and other useful features on the hiking routes. It's waterproof and can be purchased at
Haleakalā Visitor Center for $12.
Getting There & Around
Getting to Haleakalā is half the fun. Snaking up the mountain it's sometimes hard to tell
if you're in an airplane or a car - all of Maui opens up below you, with sugarcane and
pineapple fields creating a patchwork of green on the valley floor. The highway ribbons
back and forth, and in some places as many as four or five switchbacks are in view all at
once.
Haleakalā Crater Rd (Hwy 378) climbs 11 miles from Hwy 377 near Kula up to the
park entrance, then another 10 miles to Haleakalā summit. It's a good paved road all the
way, but it's steep and winding. You don't want to rush it, especially when it's dark or
foggy. And watch out for cattle wandering across the road.
The drive to the summit takes about 1½ hours from Paʻia or Kahului, two hours from
Kihei. If you need gas, fill up the night before, as there are no services on Haleakalā
Crater Rd. On your way back downhill, be sure to put your car in low gear to avoid burn-
ing out your brakes.
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