Your Pocket Guide to Haleakala National Park – Summit District

A quick Google search for “Maui must-do’s” will yield pages of results that likely all include watching the sunrise from Haleakala. BUT, there is so much more to experience at Haleakala National Park – Summit District! From hiking to biking to stargazing, the options are almost as plentiful as those search results… almost! 😉

So put on a warm sweater (or pretend to!) and travel up 10,023 feet to Maui’s highest peak with us as we give you a brief overview of Haleakala – Summit District and its offerings.   

ABOUT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK – SUMMIT DISTRICT

Before we get too far along, it’s important to go over a few historical and cultural points. First, Haleakala, which means House of the Sun in Hawaiian, is currently a dormant shield volcano that makes up about 75% of the island. According to the National Park Service, in 1916, it was included in Hawaii National Park by Congress. Fast forward more than 50 years later to 1961, the areas that comprised Hawaii National Park were reallocated, and Haleakala became its own National Park.

Haleakala National Park is actually made up of two districts – the Summit District (this is the area many likely associate with the National Park) and Kipahulu District. Despite what it may seem, Kipahulu is not accessible from the Summit District. This is an entirely different area past Hana (of the famed Road to Hana). We won’t get into Haleakala – Kipahulu District in this post but if you plan on visiting both districts, we highly recommend you experience them on separate days.

Now that we’ve quite literally gone over the lay of the land, let’s dig into the cultural significance of this sacred spot. Legend has it that while standing at Haleakala Summit, the demigod Maui, lassoed the sun. He released it only after it assured him it would slow its daily trip across the sky for half of the year and therefore, give more time in the day. Both Maui’s mom, Hina, and the people of Maui were very happy to have more sunlight.

Without further ado, here are some of the ways to experience Haleakala – Summit District!

“SUNRISE-ING”

Before you set that 2am alarm, make sure you make a reservation for one of Maui’s most iconic must-do’s – watching the sunrise at Haleakala Summit! To access Haleakala – Summit District between 3am and 7am daily, you must register in advance and get a ticket (one per car) at a cost of $1. You must present this to enter the Park. For more information or to make your reservation, visit here.

BIKING

Another popular Haleakala – Summit District activity is biking down it! Now, this activity is not for the faint of heart or the person that lives by the motto “it’s just like riding a bike” but can’t remember the last time they actually rode a bike (I fall into this category so I can’t share from personal experience!). This is definitely for the more advanced rider. If that’s you, you will be biking down a steep 6500 foot volcano. The roads are windy and shared with cars. But there are tons of tour options – from guided to self-guided to private, you can pick what best suits your comfort level. Since we haven’t actually experienced this activity ourselves, we can’t provide insight into a favorite company or tour but do some Googling and have fun! If you go, let us know what you chose and if you’d go again.

HIKING

Lace up those hiking boots and get ready – Haleakala – Summit District has miles and miles of hikes with differing terrain to explore! Depending on which trail you choose, keep your eyes open for the ‘ahinahina (silversword), which is found only at Haleakala – Summit District, and Nene (endangered Hawaiian goose). Head over here for a full breakdown of hikes, as well as the current update on each trail’s status.

“SUNSET-ING”

Not a morning person?! Don’t tell but we’re typically not either 😉.  The good news is that sunsets from Haleakala Summit can’t be beat and don’t require a middle of the night wake up call! You also do not need reservations for this activity. We recommend arriving early (about an hour or so before sunset) to park your vehicle and walk around a bit before the “show.” Also, just keep in mind that sunset has become increasingly popular and park rangers close the upper lot once it’s full.

STARGAZING

Discover the night sky like never before by stargazing at Haleakala Summit! You can choose either a guided or self-guided tour. If you go the self-guided route, the National Park Service has some great “Know Before You Go” tips, which can be found here. Sky maps from the Bishop Museum can also be found here. Brandon and I are also dying to check out a guided tour with Maui Stargazing soon! We plan on doing a separate blog post on that and will be sure to link this post to it once it’s ready.

CAMPING

Looking to spend a few days exploring Haleakala – Summit District? Both tent camping and cabin camping are offered with advance reservations. While it can be easier to score tent camping permits, the wilderness cabins are a different story since there are only three of them in total. Regardless of which you choose, plan ahead and book up to six months ahead of time for the best results. More info on tent camping can be found here and more info on the cabin experience can be found here.

OUR OTHER TIPS FOR VISITING

Before heading up to Haleakala – Summit District, here are our biggest tips:

Research, plan & make reservations in advance if necessary! Hopefully this post will help steer you in the right direction but definitely head over to National Park Service’s Haleakala website here for all of the official info.

Be aware of the drive time: From Kula, it can take about an hour to reach the Summit. Even if the mileage doesn’t look “that far,” the road is steep and windy. There can also sometimes be a line of cars at the park entrance.

Fuel up in advance: There are no gas stations within Haleakala – Summit District.

Allow extra time: If you’re arriving for sunrise or sunset, we highly recommend arriving well before the actual sunrise and sunset times. Once the top lot is full, they will close it.

Dress warmly: We cannot stress this one enough! Between the elevation and wind chill, Haleakala – Summit District can get really cold (particularly for sunrise, sunset, stargazing or camping). Pack more than you think you’ll need – you won’t regret it!

Wear closed toe shoes: The terrain can be slippery but also jagged so best to protect your feet.

Bring your own water & snacks: Once in the Park, there are no areas to stop and get food or drink so plan accordingly (even if you’re just going up for sunrise or sunset).

Stay on trail & only park in designated areas: Help take care of this beautiful area by not venturing off trail or parking outside of the parking lots.

“Take only memories; leave nothing but footprints” – Chief Seattle: The popular saying says it all. Pictures & memories make the best souvenirs.

Pair sunrise or sunset watching with brunch or dinner: Upcountry Maui offers lots of great spots for breakfast or dinner. Check out Kula Lodge, Grandma’s Coffee House and Casanova as options for a post Haleakala Summit meal!

Have fun!

Ready for the next adventure? Head back down to sea level and discover South Maui’s Best Beaches!