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Haleakala Park
See Maui, Hawaii family vacation
Haleakala Park
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Haleakala National Park
Makawao, HI 96768
808-572-4400
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Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Haleakala Park Description
Maui's highest peak is a stark landscape that becomes "summer every day, winter every night." At the summit (10,300 feet above sea level), you can look into the Haleakala Crater, an astonishing three miles deep. At sunrise and sunset, the mountain and ocean views are spectacular. Families with younger children will enjoy the scenic drive, while school kids will enjoy looking into the crater. Families with pre-teens and teens might consider a hike into the backcountry, or even a bike ride down the crater -- 38 miles, all downhill.
Park
Kid Tips
Babies: If you plan to hike, bring a front pack or back carrier. The trails can be rugged.
Toddlers & Pre-K: The park's visitor centers offer activity pages for young children to help them explore and learn about the park.
School-Age Kids: Kids 7-12 should stop at one of the Visitor Centers to ask how they can become a Junior Ranger. Includes an activity book to help them learn about the park and how they can help preserve it. Be sure to let them look into the crater!
Pre-Teens & Teens: Older kids might enjoy a bike ride with Mountain Riders (http://mountainriders.com). The sunrise tour is the most popular.
Planning Notes
- Go on the first day of vacation. Sunrise views are spectacular. If you're aiming for a sunrise arrival or tour, go while you're still jet-lagged from the mainland.
- Fill the tank before you go. There are no gas stations in or near the park.
- Bring a jacket.The summit is consistently about 30 degrees cooler than the coast. Wind and dampness make it feel even cooler.
- Bring food. No dining or vending facilities are available here.
- Bring a camera. If you are using film, bring low-speed film due to bright sunlight.
- Remember the elevation. The summit is 10,300 feet above sea level, so the oxygen level is reduced. Persons with heart or respiratory problems and pregnant women should check with their doctor before coming.
Just the Facts
Hours: Haleakala Visitor Center: 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas and New Year's Day) Park Headquarters Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Kipahulu Visitor Center: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: Full day
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