Haleakalā National Park: planning guide
A volcanic summit and crater on Maui. Cold and windy at the top; sunrise visits are popular and crowded.
Haleakalā National Park is in HI, United States. Reached by air to Maui, with no road or ferry link to any other national park. Hana is the closest mapped town — about 11.9 mi (19.2 km) away, not a drive.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Hana | 11.9 mi (19.2 km) | Not a drive |
| Haiku-Pauwela | 16.5 mi (26.5 km) | Not a drive |
| Kīhei | 18.1 mi (29.1 km) | Not a drive |
| Kahului | 22.8 mi (36.7 km) | Not a drive |
| Wailuku | 24.7 mi (39.8 km) | Not a drive |
| Waihee-Waiehu | 26 mi (41.9 km) | Not a drive |
| Lahaina | 34.6 mi (55.7 km) | Not a drive |
| Hāwī | 39.6 mi (63.7 km) | Not a drive |
Before you go
Haleakalā National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Sunrise Reservations | One road or area | Timed reservation |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haleakalā National Park (Cabin Permits) | Reservable | — |
| Haleakalā National Park (Wilderness Tent Permit) | Reservable | — |
| Hosmer Grove | Reservable | — |
| Kipahulu | Reservable | — |
Where Haleakalā National Park sits
Official Haleakalā National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park sits close enough to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | 112 mi (180 km) | 3 hr 6 min |
Parks close by
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Active volcanic landscape on the Big Island. Lava fields, craters, and steam — conditions change with eruptions.
- Redwood National Park
Coast redwood forest in far northern California. Tall trees, fog, and state-park stretches mixed into the visit.
- Pinnacles National Park
Volcanic rock spires and talus caves east of the Salinas Valley in California. Condors sometimes soar overhead.
- Channel Islands National Park
A chain of islands off southern California. Reach them by boat; expect wind, wildlife, and limited services.
Common questions
Where is Haleakalā National Park?
Haleakalā National Park sits in HI, United States. Hana, about 11.9 mi (19.2 km) away on the map. Reached by air to Maui, with no road or ferry link to any other national park. That distance is not a drive.
When is the best time to visit Haleakalā National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Haleakalā National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 4 campgrounds at Haleakalā National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.