Haleakala Summit & Stroll Hiking Adventure in Kahului
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable fitness level for uphill hiking over varied terrain and be comfortable with elevation changes.
Overview
Join a 5-hour guided hike from sea level to Haleakala’s summit, exploring lush cloud forests and witnessing a stunning sunset above the clouds. Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Haleakala Summit & Stroll (API Only)
Price Per Person • 5 hours Excursion • All ages • To the Summit!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking 5-hour journey from sea level to the stunning Haleakala Crater, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. Traverse diverse terrains, explore a cloud forest, and witness native wildlife. Enjoy light refreshments, visit the Haleakala Visitor Center, and savor a mesmerizing sunset above the clouds, creating unforgettable memories.
DEPARTURE & DURATION
Morning departure 7:45am Sunset departure between 1:30pm & 2:30pm (depends on current sunset time) Duration is approximately 5 hours
About:
- Start at sea level, then traverse through a variety of terrain including sugar cane fields, rolling countryside, green pastureland and old lava fields
- Take a stroll through a cloud forest featuring a hundred year old grove cedar, pine, spruce & eucalyptus (.5 mile, 30-minute trail)
- Study flora, fauna and the effects of invasive species
- Watch for native birds and listen to their calls
- Enjoy a light refreshment of fresh pineapple & banana bread
- Arrive at Haleakala Crater – approximately 10,000 feet above the ocean!
- Peruse the Haleakala Visitor Center which showcases cultural & natural history exhibits, books and maps
- Walk the Pa Ka’oao Trail (.4 mile round-trip, 20-minute trail) to observe ancient rock walls, shelters and an outstanding crater view
- Drive to Pu’u’ula’ula where we explore the summit (15-minute walk) and examine the highly endangered, endemic Silversword plant
- Gaze at the horizon, revealing the outer lying islands of Lana’i, Kaho’olawe and Hawai’i (Big Island)
- Perch for sunset high above the coast and clouds
- Return to our starting point
BOOK NOW
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers for changing temperatures
Temperatures vary greatly from sea level to summit, so wear moisture-wicking layers and bring a warm jacket.
Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated throughout the hike, especially with the elevation gain and dry mountain air.
Use sun protection
At high elevation, UV exposure is stronger; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Rugged volcanic terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is important for comfort and safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nene Goose, Hawaii’s state bird often spotted near the summit
- Hawaiian Honeycreeper, colorful native birds found in the cloud forest
History
Haleakala holds spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture as the home of the demigod Maui and has long been a sacred site for Native Hawaiians.
Conservation
The area is protected under Haleakala National Park, with ongoing efforts to preserve native species and control invasive plants to maintain ecological balance.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Kahului
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adapt to the wide temperature range from sea level to summit.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Provides ankle support and grip over rocky and uneven volcanic surfaces.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Essential to stay hydrated during the 5-hour hike in dry mountain air.
Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses)
Protects skin and eyes from intense UV rays at high elevation.
summer specific