There are few vacation spots as mystifying as Hawaii’s second largest island, Maui. Known for its naturally serene atmosphere, Maui is also home to a sleeping giant with the potential to bring on much destruction – Haleakala Volcano.
Located in Haleakala National Park, Haleakala Volcano is one of the island’s most popular destinations for good reason. The active but not currently erupting volcano last erupted in 1790. The effects of this eruption can still be seen to this day. Visitors can hike through the cinder desert to explore the geologic history of this ancient site.
Haleakala National Park headquarters can be reached from Kahului by Route 37 to 377 to 378, easily accessed in your rental car.
The hike (or drive) to the summit area of Haleakala invites you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of native Hawaiian plants and animals. Native Hawaiian species have uniquely evolved from thousands of years of island isolation. Their unique evolution has made them both well adapted to life on the island and extremely interesting specimens to observe.
The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The Haleakala Visitor Center is open 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.
Supplies you should bring for your visit:
- Dependable hiking shoes
- Sunblock
- Food ( No food is supplied inside Haleakala State Park)
- Water bottle (Water is available at visitor centers)
- Rain weather gear
- Per Person: $5 (good for three days)
- Motorcycle: $5 (good for three days; admits one person)
- Private vehicle: $10 (good for three days; admits everyone in the car)
Once you’ve reached the summit, you can enjoy magnificent and purely Hawaiian scenery. Wish 35 miles of hiking trails, you will have plenty of space to explore the cinder desert, look for endemic birds in the shrubland, and peer into the cinder cones and Haleakala Crater itself.
You may want to stay for the spectacular transformation the summit takes after the sun goes down. The night sky at Haleakala is crystal clear and allows for some of the best stargazing in the world.
While you’re experiencing Hawaii’s stunning beauty, it’s always comforting to know you have a trustworthy rental car. At Allsave Car Rental Maui, we offer cheap car rentals and SUV rentals along with excellent customer service to help you get the most out of your trip. Contact us at 800-875-9200 and start planning your trip to Maui’s Haleakala National Park today.