Haleakala National Park has a rare and unique landscape. The park has Maui’s highest peak which is towering over the island of Maui and visible from any point. The park is also popular for sunrises and sunsets which is a must to do in Haleakala. The park also has endless hiking opportunities and it is photographers most loved national park. Haleakala is home for more endangered species than any other parks. Major part of the park has a volcanic landscape which makes you feel in a different world. Here we have mentioned the top places to visit in Haleakala National Park.
Pipiwai Trail:
Pipiwai Trail is the most attractive place in Haleakala. The trail has a diverse landscape which is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip. The trail walks you through Seven Sacred Pools and a Bamboo Forest which gives you a wonderful hiking experience. Pipiwai Trail is a 4 miles round trip which can be completed in 2 and half hours. The major highlights of trail is:
- Giant Banyan tree
- Oheo’ Gulch stream
- flora and fauna
- Makahiku Falls
- Hawaiian rainforest valley
The trail is not only for hikers its a perfect destination for photographers. You get to capture the stunning beauty of the trail. It is recommended to start your hike early and check the weather before you hike.
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls is a stunning 400ft tall waterfall situated at the head of Ohe’o Gulch. The falls can be found at the end of the Pipiwai Trail, above Seven Sacred Pools on the Road to Hana. As you hike along the Pipiwai Trail the fall is the perfect reward with beautiful scenery. The adventure hike leads you to stunning waterfalls.
The path to the falls has a boardwalk through the bamboo forest that leads to the falls. The water flows through the volcanic rock cliffside which is truly a majestic view. Most of the hikers choose to hike the Pipiwai trail just to watch the Waimoku as it has a breathtaking view. It is also the perfect place to relax after your hike.
Sliding Sands Trail
The Sliding Sands mostly known as Keoneheehee Trail has access to Haleakala crater. The trail starts from the entrance to the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot. From the summit of 10,023’ Haleakala volcano the trail descends to the crater floor. It is a difficult hike but it is worth it for its unique beauty. As you walk around the bend you get to see the first view of Haleakala Crater
If you do not have much time we recommend the first 2.5 miles of the trail to the Ka Lu’u o ka O’o cinder cone. The round trip is a 5-mile trail, and given the elevation. Finally you get to climb the Haleakala’s crater rim. Total elevation between the trailhead and the cinder cone is approximately 1,400 ft. The trail has a breathtaking view of the volcanic landscape. The trail gives you an experience of walking on another planet.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater looms which is 10,023 feet above the Pacific Ocean. It is the most popular place in the park for the breathtaking sunrise. It is considered a challenging route, which takes an average of 6 hours to complete. It is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. The summit is considered one of the leading destinations for observing and monitoring astronomical wonders. Haleakala Crater was formed as the result of erosion of the entire volcanic mountain top. It gives a breathtaking view of the volcanic landscape with colorful cinders and a bright blue sky.
‘Ohe‘o Gulch
The Oheo Gulch is located about 15 minutes past Hana town. In 1969, the land where the Oheo Gulch is situated was donated to the Haleakala National Park so that the pools would be open to the public. It is known by many names Kipahulu Area some call it Seven Sacred Pools. Oheo Gulch is a rainforest stream, the series of waterfalls and pools that leads into the ocean.