When you think about Hawaii, I’m sure there are a few things that come to mind: pristine beaches with crystalline turquoise waters, incredibly lush jungle landscapes, sweeping panoramic views everywhere you look. This is the perfect national park to visit in Maui!

If you’re smart, you also think about Hawaii’s majestic volcanoes, including Mount Haleakala. Located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Haleakala National Park is the island’s crown jewel, and we believe that this outstanding national park needs to be on everyone’s Hawaiian bucket list.

Haleakala National Park covers an area of approximately 33,200 acres, of which 19,200 acres are a wilderness area.

The entire area is absolutely stunning. You’ll see beautiful volcanic slopes that are home to the fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley.

Haleakala volcano is approximately 10,000 feet tall, and dormant. The last eruption happened sometime between 1480 and 1600 AD.

The landscape it left behind will fill you with awe. Haleakala National Park is one of the best parks in Hawaii.

The name Haleakala directly translates to “house of the sun” in Hawaiian. A fitting name, considering the sunrises and sunsets from the summit are second to none.

According to local legend, the semi-god Maui imprisoned the son to the volcano in order to lengthen the day. The entire area is filled with ancient and modern Hawaiian culture.

The stars as seen from Haleakala’s summit are absolutely awe-inspiring as well.

Bright lights will light up the night sky if you’re lucky enough to visit after dark. With little light pollution nearby, it’s the perfect place to go star gazing.

The state park is split into two distinct areas: the summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area.

The summit is accessible via Hawaii State Road 378, and includes a visitor center, as well as another parking lot and observatory at the summit.

If you’re looking for things to do outside in Maui, one of the popular events is to view the sunrise at the summit. But it’s such a popular event that you’ll have to make reservations ahead of time on the national park website.

The Haleakala Crater is nearly seven miles across, two miles wide, and approximately 2,600 feet deep.

Various volcanic features, including large cinder cones, can be found in the crater’s interior. The weather in this park can vary wildly during your visit, so be sure to dress in layers in case the temperature drops.

Surrounding the summit are two main trails: the Halemau’u and Sliding Sands trails.

There are a ton of great areas to explore, but due to the remoteness of this park, practice situational awareness while you’re out on the trails.

Hikers who wish to make a trip out of the trails can stay in one of three cabins reserved through the park.

There are many amazing trails throughout the park for you to explore. Keep to the paths, and leave the trail as you found it by removing all trash and belongings with you.

One of the park’s other major attractions in the summit area is Hosmer’s Grove, a unique forest that consists of alien trees, including deodar from the Himalayas, sugi from Japan, and eucalyptus from Australia, among other species from North America.

There are also species of wildlife here that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. It’s a wondrous place to visit!

The Kipahulu section of the park is accessed from the summit via a winding coastal road that travels around the island’s windward coast.

Much of the area is designated as the Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve, and is closed to the public to preserve native plant and animal species in the fragile rainforest. You’ll have to be mindful of the areas that are inaccessible to the public.

Also found in this area are more than 24 pools along Palikea Stream in the Oheo Gulch. Visitors can swim in these pools, or hike a trail to the base of Waimoku Falls.

There’s no wrong way to explore this park. Visit the Kipahulu section of the park first, or the other way around. No matter what, you will love your visit to this incredible park in Hawaii!

From watching the sun rise over the Haleakala summit to hiking through the volcanic crater, Haleakala National Park is full of that signature Hawaii natural beauty. It’s the perfect national park to visit in Maui! I sure am ready to hop on a plane and visit it right now. What about you?

Looking for more beautiful parks in Maui to visit? Make sure you head to The One Place In Hawaii That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth.