Haleakalā National Park
National park · Maui County
Hawaii
Highlights
Sunrise views from dormant volcano, diverse landscapes, hiking trails
Sunrise views from dormant volcano, diverse landscapes, hiking trails
"This park requires reservations for every vehicle year-round, making advance planning essential for any visit by car." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Famous for sunrise viewing from high-elevation overlooks, notable vantage points include the Kalahaku Overlook (around 9,324 feet) and Leleiwi Overlook (around 8,840 feet with a short hike), and sunrise visits require advance reservations between early morning hours; beyond dawn, visitors can hike the volcanic summit terrain or explore the remote Kīpahulu District, home to a dense bamboo forest and the dramatic Makahiku Falls." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Nearly a million people visit this volcanic Maui icon annually, and a brave few thousand do so by bicycle: be prepared for roughly 10,000 feet of elevation gain if you attempt the classic 36-mile ride from the town of Pa’ia to the summit. Pa’ia — named Travel + Leisure’s Best Beach Town in America in 2024 — sits very close to Maui’s main airport, allowing serious riders to complete this adventure without ever stopping at the rental-car counter." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Reservations are required to hike to the summit during sunrise at the park that is home to Maui's highest peak. Tickets are issued per vehicle and are limited to one per customer every three days; the reservation fee is $1 per ticket. Reservations can typically be booked on Recreation.gov. The National Park Service wrote: “Some national parks use a timed entry system to manage vehicle traffic. Other parks use tour reservations to manage access to a building or natural feature,” and added, “If you need a reservation, we recommend making it well in advance.”" - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Maui offers a mix of adventure and relaxation with its beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and opportunities for outdoor activities. It's perfect for couples wanting a tropical escape without leaving the country."
