traveldk.com

The Park HQ (for camping permits and info) is one mile from the park entrance. The Haleakalā Visitor Center is 10 miles farther up and has a good supply of maps and books but no phone, gas, or food.

Take the first left turn just beyond the park entrance to Hosmer Grove. Home to many native and alien bird, plant, and insect species, it’s one of Maui’s best nature-watching spots. A short trail winds through the stands of cedar, pine, and other trees introduced in the 19th century.

Located six miles above Park HQ, the overlook offers an amazing view of the crater. From here, on rare occasions in late afternoon, your own shadow can be seen on clouds in the crater, the image surrounded by a rainbow.

Hawai’i’s state bird, making a comeback from the brink of extinction, can be seen on the slopes of Haleakalā and sometimes in the visitor center parking lot. The birds resemble the Canada Goose but are usually smaller; males and females have identical plumage.

Nowhere is the view more spectacular than from this highest point on Maui. Minimal relief from the cold wind can be found in the glassed in observation house. There, you can also find out about the expansive view, which includes the volcanic peaks on Hawai’i. On clear days, Kaua’i is the only main Hawaiian island not visible.

From the Visitor Center, this 5-mile trail descends through several climatic zones, including a barren cinder desert and alpine shrub land. The return ascent is steep and hard going.

With many switchbacks, this 10-mile trail is not for the faint of heart but does offer magnificent views down to the ocean. It begins at the 8,000-ft level and descends quickly to the crater floor, passing Hōlua Cabin, Silversword Loop, and the Bottomless Pit.

Along the Halemau’u Trail, this surreal landscape of brilliantly colored ash owes its magnificent hues to volcanic mineral deposits and equally colorful cinder cones rising from the crater floor.

One of the world’s rarest plants, Haleakalā Silversword (’ahinahina) appears on this trail . It’s a very rare sight, though, blooming only once, with a spectacular 6-ft stalk of purple flowers; it then dies.

This challenging 18-mile trek traverses the crater floor, then progresses through the rain forest in the southern valley. Hikers should arrange for a ride back from the trail’s end, at the beautiful but very remote Kaupō.