The Haleakalā Crater is home to the “House of the Sun,” or the East Maui Volcano. Come here to watch the sunrise it’s one of the best in the country and you can easily imagine that you are on another planet. The Haleakalā National Park is a refreshing change of scenery from Maui’s crowded beaches and is not to be missed.
Geologically, the Haleakalā Crater is one of Maui’s most fascinating spots. Over millions of years, the now dormant Haleakalā volcano slowly spilled lava from its vents. This lava overlapped with that of another shield volcano in the west. Eventually, the lava cooled, and Maui was formed. A large portion of the volcano is surrounded by the Haleakalā National Park, which encompasses 33,265 acres (135 square kilometers) of eastern and central Maui.
To see the Haleakalā Crater, head to the Summit Area. This is an expansive section of the park defined by robust red colors and an impressively sculpted landscape. Visitors often comment that it’s how they imagine Mars to be, and it certainly looks as if you are on another planet. The crater itself is 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) wide.
Haleakalā (House of the Sun) is home to the island’s highest peak: Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill) stands at 10,023 feet (3,055 meters) and its trails can get you above the clouds. Watching the sunrise from here is epic, so see if you can get there as dawn breaks. The best way is to set up camp in Haleakalā National Park. On your way back down, take in the diverse landscapes of forest and wildflowers. Geese, insects and rare birds are common sights.
Haleakalā National Park is open year-round. There are 35 miles (56 kilometers) of roads and trails around Haleakalā Crater. It’s best to get there by car and then hike. Note that any route to the top involves a very steep gradient, so prepare accordingly and bring a jacket. You pay a small fee to reach the summit.
Haleakala Crater Tours
Visit Haleakala Crater
Plan a trip to see Haleakala Crater
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2024
Reviews of Haleakala Crater
5/5 - Excellent
We went for the sunset and star gazing. Even though the forecast was for mostly cloudy by the time the sun went down, the clouds were gone and the viewing excellent. For those that don't want to get up for the sunrise or can't get a reservation, this is a great option which we enjoyed very much.
5/5 - Excellent
The drive up to the crater has wonderful views and lookout points. The peak is above the clouds and the twin peaks of the volcanoes on the Big Island over 100 miles away can be seen also rising above the clouds. Haleakala crater itself is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen with 1000 foot cinder cones inside a huge area of multi-colored ash and lava. There are plants that are found on the side of the mountain that are found no-where else on the planet. Awe-inspiring!
5/5 - Excellent
You can go into the valley (its NOT a crater, so please just dump that terminology). This is an extremely rare unique place and has some amazing views. The drive up itself is something to remember. There are 2 easy summit "hikes". They are really quick walks, not hikes. 1st hike (white hill) is at 2nd visitor's center, 2nd hike (red hill) is at the summit just beyond the visitor's center. you drive 30 seconds to get there. The summit has a great indoor viewing building with excellent educational info that you can take in quickly. The views at these 2 spots are totally different. Do both, trust me. You can and should (you are there, what the heck) hike into the valley to a viewpoint, starting at the visitors center (sliding sands trail). 20 very easy minutes down, 30+ kinda taxing minutes coming back. Viewpoint isn't marked, but you'll know you are there. Reddish cinder cone will be close by, off to your left, from this natural overlook. Hiking beyond that overlook, you need to seriously consider the difficulties of hiking back out at this challenging elevation. Bring plenty of water, and plenty of clothing / hats to limit sun exposure! You'll also experience a weird combination of hot and cold breezes. Footwear will get totally covered in dust / dirt. Comes off easily, no worries. Don't go hiking into the valley in open-toed footwear, for many reasons.
4/5 - Good
Parking not so good.
5/5 - Excellent
Plan to go on your very first day as we are West coasters and we're up 3 hrs before anything opened up.
5/5 - Excellent
You dont need to get up at 3am and do the sunrise. Make it up by 8 or 9 and you will beat the clouds. Watch out for bikes. If you drive, switch drivers at the top so your partner can look.
Popular places to visit
Haleakalā Visitor Center
Explore the lovely green spaces of Haleakalā Visitor Center and enjoy the golf courses in Kula. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Haleakala National Park
From mountain peaks to forested valleys, from the Pacific coastline to a volcanic crater, this national park encompasses a great diversity of natural habitats.
Leleiwi Overlook
Explore the great outdoors at Leleiwi Overlook, a lovely green space in Kula. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside, or seek out the yoga studios.
Hosmer Grove
Explore the great outdoors at Hosmer Grove, a lovely green space in Kula. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or seek out the yoga studios.
Aliʻi Kula Lavender
Find out about the history of Kula when you spend time at Aliʻi Kula Lavender. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this romantic area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Overlook
Find out about the history of Kula when you take a trip to Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill) Overlook. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Best Lodging Options Near Haleakala Crater
Check availability on hotels close to Haleakala Crater
- Vacations and getaways similar to Haleakala Crater
- Hotels near popular Kula Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends