Hawaii - Maui

Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of the volcano, down into the crater, then across the volcano’s southeast slopes to Maui’s east coast, beyond the town of Hana. The main reason for the park being visited by nearly one and a half million people a year, is the attraction of peering down into the crater of what is the world’s largest dormant volcano. Haleakala last erupted in 1790, and has been deadly quiet ever since, although it is not considered to be inactive. The massive crater covers 19 square miles (49km2): big enough to hold the whole of Manhattan. Hawaiians regard the crater as a sacred site. It is possible to drive to the summit along a twisting road that climbs 10,000 feet in just 37 miles (60km); visitors can also explore the desolate landscape inside the crater on hiking or biking trails. There are numerous other opportunities for recreational activities in the National Park too. The Park’s headquarters just inside the park entrance opens daily from 7am to 4pm and provides information of activities and programmes offered. The Haleakala Visitor Centre near the summit of the volcano opens daily from sunrise to 3pm and explains, via exhibits, the history, ecology, geology and volcanology of the area.

Telephone: (808) 572 4400;

Website: www.nps.gov/hale

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