Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park encompasses the massive shield volcano that forms East Maui, from its lunar-like summit crater to lush coastal rainforests. The summit area, often above the clouds at 10,023 feet, presents an otherworldly landscape of cinder cones and rare silversword plants found nowhere else on Earth. Native Hawaiians consider this sacred ground where demigod Māui snared the sun. The park protects extraordinary endemic species evolved in isolation. The critically endangered Hawaiian petrel and Hawaiian goose (nēnē) nest in volcanic cinders. Silverswords, living up to 90 years, bloom once in a spectacular display before dying. The summit's extreme conditions - intense UV radiation, freezing nights, minimal rainfall - create one of Earth's most challenging environments for life. Descending from summit to sea through Kīpahulu Valley reveals incredible ecological diversity. Bamboo forests, thundering waterfalls, and sacred pools line the Pīpīwai Trail. The park demonstrates vertical zonation from alpine desert through cloud forest to tropical coastline. Sunrise viewing from the summit remains a spiritual experience, watching Earth's shadow retreat across the Pacific.

Water Features

Pools of Ohe'o, waterfalls, coastal area

Ecosystem

This destination features a mixed ecosystem ecosystem.