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Haleakala
National Park
P.O. Box 369
Makawao, Maui, HI 96768
The Park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper
slopes of Haleakala on the island of Maui and protects the unique
and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along
Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species. Haleakala, originally
part of Hawaii National Park, was redesignated as a separate entity
in July 1961. Haleakala National Park was designated an International
Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Of its 30,183 acres, 24,719 acres are
designated wilderness.
SUMMIT
AREA Orientation talks are given everyday in the summit building
at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 am. Guided hikes are available regularly
- please contact us for details on upcoming hikes. Call 808 572-4400,
then press 1, for information on upcoming programs, cancellations
and closures
KIPAHULU AREA Daily orientation talks are given everyday at the
Visitor Center. Stop by for details on upcoming programs.
The
View Above...
Sky-watching
is a great way to escape the world! Stop at one of the several
overlooks on the Park road or take a short walk away from the
traffic noise to watch the clouds. The visual horizon in many
places in the Summit area is up to 115 miles out to sea. Even
cloudy skies can offer amazing sights including rainbows, moonbows
and halos seen around your shadow. Haleakala offers one of the
most easily accessible places to watch planets, stars and moons
after dark. Rent a pair of 10x50 or 7x50 binoculars at one of
the island dive shops, pick up a star map at Park Headquarters
or Haleakala Visitor Center, and see if you can find the moons
of Jupiter.
Maui
State Parks
While it might seem easy to argue that all of Maui is a park,
some of our Island's most special areas have been set aside for
public use. Their locations range from the shoreline to the magnificent
crater of Mt. Haleakala, pictured at the right. Prized, and protected,
by Mauians, our parks are also popular visitor attractions.
Some of Maui's parks provide for overnight camping. Some are equipped
with amenities that include showers, restrooms, tent camping areas,
fire pits and more. Others are more pristine and are more appropriate
for experienced outdoor adventurers. In some cases parks are available
on a first-come, first-served basis. For others reservations are
required.
The
outdoor attraction providers listed can all provide up-to-date
information on availability, accommodations, recommendations,
requirements and other questions.
Waianapanapa
State Park's coastline is wild and remote, a place of solitude
with stunning natural and archaeological wonders to explore.
A
stone arch and two fern-laden lava tube caves are within easy
walking distance of the parking lot.
The
ruins of a heiau - a place of worship - are found on the Hana-Waianapanapa
Trail, a two-mile coastal path that runs from the park to Kainalimu
Bay. The trail, a good family hike, offers gorgeous views and
a close-up look at a hala forest. Other hikes range from one to
four miles. None require much climbing, but caution is advised
because some trails traverse slippery rocks and come close to
surf that can be quite rough.
The
park's small black sand beach is good for snorkeling and shore
fishing. Extreme caution is recommended, however, due to the unpredictable
surf and currents.
Cabins
may be reserved, but call up to one year in advance. There's also
a campground available.
The
park is located on Waianapanapa Road off the Hana Highway, about
one mile from Hana.
Maui County Parks
Department of Parks and Recreation
E-mail: parks.dept@co.maui.hi.us
Phone : (808) 270-7383
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