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Haleakala National ParkRanger Byron Cook helps some visitors decide what to do during their vist to Kipahulu.
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Haleakala National Park
Plan Your Visit
 

Your visit to Haleakala National Park might include a glimpse of a rare native bird. Or perhaps a hands-on experience with Hawaiian culture. Or it might be a day of quiet breezes through the bamboo. Or warm sun on your back as you hike a volcanic landscape.

But first you have to choose the experience you are looking for and find out where to discover it. Do you want to spend the day visiting the summit area of the park? Or the coastal area? Or do you have two days available so you can experience both? Or perhaps you can spend a few days and plan an overnight adventure?

Whatever you choose, be sure you are prepared for your experience - remember that both the Summit and Kipahulu Areas are remote, natural areas with few ammenities.

 
Light clouds start to creep up the Kaupo Gap toward the summit
NPS Photo
The ever-changing weather is especially obvious in the Wilderness Area where clouds may seem to follow your steps along the trail.
 Hikers enjoying the sliding sands trail
Summit Area (Mountain)
What can you do at the top of the mountain?
more...
 Hikers along the Pipiwai Trail
Kipahulu Area (Coastal)
What about the coastal area of the park?
more...
 Wilderness Cabins
Wilderness Area
How to spend a night in the wilderness
more...
need photo  

Did You Know?
The summit area of Haleakala National Park provides one of the top ten "Seeing" sites for night viewing - you can see objects all the up to 7th magnitude.

Last Updated: September 15, 2006 at 10:39 EST