Documenting Lovely Moments
Volcanic Landscapes and Bamboo Forests at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park in Maui was one of the highlights of our trip. Walking through volcanic landscapes on the Sliding Sands Trail felt like a scene from The Martian. We spotted the rare silversword plants, unique to the summit’s high-elevation environment. On the Kipahulu side, we hiked the Pipiwai trail for a completely different experience with beautiful waterfalls, banyan trees, and bamboo forests.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Park Hours: The summit district is open daily from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the Kipahulu District is typically open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entrance Fees: Vehicle entry to the park costs $30 per car for 3 days. Individual or motorcycle entry is $25. An America the Beautiful pass is accepted.
Sunrise Reservations: If you want to catch sunrise at the summit, a reservation is required. Sunset does not require a reservation.
Weather: The summit can be cold and windy, even in summer. Dress in layers and bring a windbreaker.
Food and Gas: There are no food or gas stations inside the park. Be prepared with snacks, water, and a full tank.
Hiking Tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Keep an eye out for the rare silversword plants at the summit. Respect trails and fragile habitats.
Park Districts: The park is divided into two main districts. The Summit District is home to the crater, volcanic landscapes, silversword plants, and sunrise viewpoints. The Kipahulu District is known for lush rainforests, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and the Pipiwai Trail. We separated our visit into 2 days, visiting the Summit district on one day, and the Kipahulu district on another day as a part of our Road to Hana adventure.
Scenic Drive to Haleakala Summit
The drive up to the summit is an experience in itself. We went through winding roads with stunning views of volcanic craters and valleys. There were times during our drive to the summit when it got really foggy which caused limited visibility, so be patient and stay safe.
We stopped at a few lookout points for incredible views above the clouds. Be sure to plan extra time for stops and photo opportunities.
Summit Visitor Center
Our first stop was the summit visitor center. The view near the visitor center at the summit was just as amazing, and don’t miss the huge silversword plants near the parking lot.
Hiking the Sliding Sands Trail (Keonehe’ehe’e Trail)
From the summit, we drove down to another parking lot near the Sliding Sands Trailhead, the starting point of our hike.
The Sliding Sands Trail, also called the Keonehe’ehe’e Trail, is one of Haleakala National Park’s most iconic hikes. It starts near the summit at around 10,000 feet elevation. The trail winds down into the massive crater, crossing hardened lava fields and volcanic terrain that looks like something from another planet.
The full trail is about 11 miles one-way to the crater floor, but we did not do the full hike. We went down halfway towards the crater, then hiked back up where we started.
The trail was moderately challenging, mainly due to the elevation and steep downhill sections at the start. Hiking back up is more challenging, so pace yourself, wear sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
Although we were all exhausted after the hike, it was more than worth it. The Sliding Sands Trail was unlike any other hike we had ever done and we would highly recommend it.
Kipahulu District
The next day, as a part of our Road To Hana Adventure, we hiked the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park.
This trail was a completely different experience from the Summit District’s volcanic landscapes. While the Summit District is dominated by barren volcanic landscapes and crater views, this trail is surrounded by lush, tropical scenery, including a massive banyan tree and beautiful waterfalls along the way.
Pipiwai Trail to Bamboo Forest
The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that is relatively easy. It starts gently, following streams and shaded forest, and gradually leads to a bamboo forest and Waimoku Falls.
We stopped and turned around after reaching the bamboo forest due to time constraint. Although we never got to see Waimoku Falls, the bamboo forest was definitely worth visiting. It was serene and peaceful, reminding us of the bamboo forest that we visited in Kyoto, Japan.
Our Takeaway From Visiting Haleakala National Park
What we loved most about Haleakala was how different each experience felt. The Summit District felt dramatic and otherworldly, while the Kipahulu side was full of green scenery. We’d recommend making time to visit both districts if you can.
You may also like:
-
How We Spent 12 Days in Hawaii for Spring Break: Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island
-
California Trip From Exciting City Charm to Majestic Mountains
-
Beautiful Arizona: Exploring Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix
-
Ultimate Canadian Rockies Summer Family Adventure
-
Colorado Ski Trip and Holiday Extravaganza
-
Trip To Japan Discovering Its Beautiful Landscapes and Rich Cultures
