Haleakala's diverse ecosystems harbor numerous endemic species, including the endangered Hawaiian nēnē (goose) and the Hawaiian petrel ('ua'u). The park is home to over 90 species of native Hawaiian arthropods, including the remarkable Haleakala flightless moth and happy face spider. The Hawaiian hoary bat, Hawaii's only native terrestrial mammal, can be found in the park's lower elevations. Marine life in the Kipahulu coastal area includes sea turtles and monk seals. Many of these species face ongoing conservation challenges due to introduced predators and habitat loss.
The park showcases remarkable plant diversity across its elevation zones, including over 850 species, with approximately 400 being native to Hawaii. The most iconic plant is the silversword (āhinahina), a unique species found only on Haleakala's slopes above 6,900 feet. This remarkable plant can live for decades before producing a single flowering stalk. The park's various ecological zones support distinct plant communities, from subalpine shrublands to tropical rainforests in the Kipahulu Valley. Many of these species are endangered and exist nowhere else on Earth, making Haleakala a critical sanctuary for Hawaiian biodiversity.
Haleakala is a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of Maui. Despite common misconception, the vast crater at its summit isn't a volcanic crater but rather an erosional valley, formed by millions of years of rainfall and stream erosion. The depression spans 7 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep, containing numerous cinder cones and lava flows. The most recent volcanic activity occurred between 400 and 600 years ago, creating the barren, moon-like landscape visitors see today. The mountain continues to be geologically active, though dormant, and its volcanic features provide scientists with valuable insights into Hawaiian volcanism.
Haleakala holds profound cultural significance for Native Hawaiians, who consider it a sacred place. Its name means 'House of the Sun,' derived from the legend of the demigod Maui, who lassoed the sun from its summit to slow its journey across the sky. The crater was first protected as part of Hawaii National Park in 1916, later becoming a separate national park in 1961. Historic sites within the park include archaeological remains of ancient Hawaiian settlements, and the Civilian Conservation Corps-built trails and structures from the 1930s. The summit has also played a significant role in scientific research, hosting important astronomical observatories since the 1960s.
The park's most spectacular feature is the summit area, offering unparalleled sunrise views that draw visitors from around the world. The Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District leads through bamboo forests to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The park contains over 30 miles of hiking trails, including the Sliding Sands Trail that descends into the crater. The Summit Observatory Complex houses some of the world's most advanced solar telescopes. The park's Wilderness Area offers pristine backcountry experiences with three historic cabins available for overnight stays. The dramatic range of ecosystems, from coastal areas to alpine desert, provides visitors with an extraordinary opportunity to experience Hawaii's diverse natural heritage in one location.
Haleakala's summit climate is dramatically different from Maui's coastal areas, with temperatures typically ranging from 32-65°F (0-18°C) and occasionally dropping below freezing. The high altitude (10,023 feet) creates a stark alpine environment where conditions can change rapidly. Visitors should prepare for intense UV radiation, strong winds, and sudden cloud cover. Morning hours typically offer the clearest viewing conditions, while afternoons often bring cloud cover. The park experiences two distinct seasons: a dry summer (May-October) and a wet winter (November-April), though rain and mist can occur year-round.
USA
20.7200°, -156.1580°
July 1, 1961
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Haleakala National Park features the dormant Haleakala Volcano and unique volcanic landscapes. The park is known for its spectacular sunrises, rare silversword plants, and native Hawaiian ecosystems. It extends from the summit of Haleakala down to the Kipahulu coast, offering diverse experiences from mountain to sea.