Haleakala National Park: Maui’s House of the Rising Sun
Visible from almost everywhere in Maui, the dormant volcano, and National Park, Haleakala, is home to Hawaiian legends, rare plants and animals, stunning scenery and one of the most incredible sunrises in the world. Rising over 3000m above sea level, Haleakala is Maui’s highest peaks and the views above the clouds are spectacular.
No Maui holiday would be complete without a trip to see this one-of-a-kind National Park. The rolling red volcanic scenery is unlike many other national parks and here you can enjoy hiking through backcountry paths, luscious waterfalls, lots of Hawaiian culture and mystery, along with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Our travel experts can help curate your perfect holiday to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Widely regarded as one of the best in the world, the sunrises of Haleakala are said to have come from the demi-god Maui. To help dry his mother Hilo’s traditional kapa fabric faster, he headed to the summit of Haleakala’s crater to trap the sun with a lasso. He struck a deal with the sun, to move more slowly for 6 months of the year to help dry his mother’s fabric. Now it is believed that is the reason for the beautiful sunrises seen from Haleakala’s crater, with Haleakala literally translating to ‘House of the Rising Sun’.
If you wish to experience one of the sunrises yourself, be sure to arrive at least 90 minutes early to the park to get a good viewing spot of one of the best and most vivid dawns in the world, and the sunset is just as beautiful too!
Aside from the sunrises and sunsets, this national park is also home to many other amazing sights to indulge in. Including rainforest districts with impressive waterfalls, hikes with incredible views, rare and endangered indigenous plants, including the Silversword plant, only found growing in the Haleakala crater. There is plenty to see and do, so definitely make time during your tailormade Hawaii holiday to properly explore this stunning landscape.