Haleakalā National Park — Visitor Info

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Haleakāla National Park protects the massive volcanic crater at the summit of Maui's tallest peak, along with a separate lush, waterfall-lined coastal district near Hana. Watching sunrise from the summit is the park's most famous experience — and one that requires its own reservation on top of the entrance fee.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: A separate $1 Sunrise Reservation is required for every vehicle entering the Summit District between 3:00–7:00am, bookable up to 60 days ahead (and at least 2 days ahead) on Recreation.gov — this sells out, especially in peak season. Always check the official Haleakalā Alerts & Conditions page first.
Quick Facts
Location
Maui, Hawai'i (two separate districts)
Entrance Fee
$30/vehicle (3 days, both districts)
Reservation Needed to Enter?
Yes for sunrise (3–7am) in the Summit District; no otherwise
Permit Needed For
Wilderness camping/cabins (reservation-based)
Lodging
Hosmer Grove & Kīpahulu Campgrounds; wilderness cabins
Managed By
National Park Service

Two Districts, Not Connected by Park Road

Haleakalā has two separate sections: the high-elevation Summit District (the volcanic crater, sunrise viewing, and most visitor infrastructure) and the coastal Kīpahulu District near Hana, known for the Pipiwai Trail and 'Ohe'o Gulch pools. They are not connected by a direct park road — driving between them takes hours around Maui's coastline (often via the famous Road to Hana). One entrance fee covers both.

Visitor Centers

Haleakalā Visitor Center (Summit District)
Near the crater rim, close to the summit — exhibits and the best overlooks of the crater itself.
Kīpahulu Visitor Center (Kīpahulu District)
Near Hana, at the coastal district entrance — the starting point for the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls.

Confirm current hours on the official NPS hours & visitor centers page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Passes

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (per person on foot/bike $15), valid 3 days (shorter than most parks) and good at both districts. This park does not accept cash — payments are credit/debit only.

Sunrise Reservation (Summit District)

Watching sunrise from the summit requires a separate $1 Sunrise Reservation per vehicle for entry between 3:00 and 7:00am — on top of the regular entrance fee. Reservations open 60 days in advance and must be booked at least 2 days ahead; they regularly sell out, especially in summer.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

4th graders (and their families) can visit free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov — note it does not cover the separate Sunrise Reservation fee.

Permits & Reservations

You do not need a permit for typical day use outside the sunrise window. Overnight stays require a reservation:

Wilderness Camping & Cabins

Primitive wilderness campsites inside the crater are reached only by trail and require a permit. Three historic wilderness cabins inside the crater (Holua, Kapalaoa, Paliku) can also be reserved. Note the park-wide limit: a maximum of 3 total overnight stays across all Haleakalā camping areas in any 30-day period, and pets are not allowed in or around any campsite.

Campgrounds & RV Options

There is no RV camping or hookups anywhere in Haleakalā — both frontcountry campgrounds are drive-up tent camping only.

Hosmer Grove Campground (Summit District)
Near the Summit District entrance, at cooler high elevation. Drive-up tent camping; reserve ahead.
Kīpahulu Campground (Kīpahulu District)
Near the coast, close to 'Ohe'o Gulch. Drive-up tent camping; reserve ahead.

Good to Know

  • It's cold at the summit — elevation is over 10,000ft and sunrise temperatures can be near freezing even in a tropical state; bring real layers.
  • The Road to Hana connects Maui's main towns to the Kīpahulu District — a scenic but slow, winding drive that deserves a full day.
  • Book the Sunrise Reservation early — it's separate from, and in addition to, your entrance fee, and slots go fast.
  • Altitude sickness is a real risk for some visitors driving straight up from sea level — take it easy on summit arrival.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Haleakalā National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Camping · Recreation.gov – Sunrise Reservation · NPS – Alerts & Conditions