And so, stretching from the summit of Mt. Haleakala eastward to the southeast coast, the park joins these two special areas -- Haleakala Creater near the summit and the Kipahulu coastal area. No roads connect the two, though each can be reached by road from Kahului. In fact, to help keep the park as undisturbed as possible, so that the visitor may find here a natural environment, roads lead only to the threshold of this inspiring wilderness.

Cross this threshold and step into the constrasting beauty of Haleakala National Park. Learn here of the Earth and of those mysteries beneath and above its surface -- of cool and silent volcanic rocks, of cascading streams and quiet pools, and of dazzling silver plants and flashing scarlet birds.

Haleakala National Park extends from the 3,055 meter (10,023 foot) summit of Mt. Haleakala down the southeast flank to the Kipahula coast near Hana. These two sections of the park are not directly connected by road, but each can be reached by automobile from Kahului as follows:
Haleakala crater is a 3-hour round trip drive from Kahului via Hawaii 37, 377 and 378.

The Oheo section (Kipahulu District) of the park is at the east end of Maui between Hana and Kipahulu. It can be reached by driving from central Maui, a distance of about 97 kilometers (60 miles) -- 137 to 145 kilometers (85 to 90 miles) from Kihei, Lahaina or Kaanapali -- on Hawaii 36, an extremely winding road on the north (wet) side of the island. Driving time is about three to four hours each way.

An extension of this road, Hawaii 31, goes around the south (dry) side of the island. It is only partially paved and can be hazardous or closed during periods of stormy weather. Most car rental agencies prohibit the use of their vehicles on this road.